A former media aide to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of destroying anything he touches.
Onochie, in a post on 𝕏 on Thursday, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had lost its strength under Tinubu’s leadership.
The former presidential aide also claimed that Tinubu had no clear path to victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Writing on her 𝕏 handle, Onochie said the APC was no longer the party it used to be.
She wrote, “Whatever @officialABAT touches. He destroys. APC is gone.
“Tinubu has no pathway to 2027. He is gone. Tinubu is Gone. God bless Nigeria. Lauretta Onochie @Laurestar.”
Her comment followed an Artificial Intelligence-generated video showing the late Buhari interviewing Tinubu on how he had fared with the APC.
The video, which circulated online, appeared to have triggered reactions among supporters and critics of the President.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Onochie’s statement comes as political alignments and criticisms continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC, which produced Tinubu as President in 2023, is expected to seek another term in office in 2027.
However, opposition parties and political actors have continued to intensify consultations and coalition-building efforts aimed at challenging the ruling party in the next presidential election.
Although the APC currently controls 31 states through elected governors and defectors, critics of the administration have argued that economic hardship, insecurity and internal party disputes may affect the party’s chances in 2027.
Onochie, who served as a media aide under Buhari, has in recent times taken positions critical of Tinubu and the APC.
Her latest attack adds to growing public exchanges among politicians, former government officials and party loyalists as the next election cycle gradually takes shape.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC and the Presidency had yet to issue an official response to Onochie’s claim.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, May 20, said some persons affected by his administration’s reforms in the foreign exchange and oil subsidy sectors were wishing him dead.
Tinubu said the decision to cancel multiple exchange rates and remove petrol subsidy had offended powerful interests who benefited from the old system.
The President spoke in Lagos at the launch of the book, “The NADECO Story,” written by Chief Ayo Opadokun.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals who played key roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle under the National Democratic Coalition between 1994 and 1998.
Tinubu was represented at the event by a former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Delivering Tinubu’s message, Osoba said the President was aware of alleged moves by some interests to disrupt peace in the country because of his economic reforms.
According to him, those who profited from foreign exchange round-tripping and petrol subsidy payments were unhappy with the administration’s policies.
“As for security, he says, I should let you know that he is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom he knew he had offended by cancelling multiple exchange rates and by cancelling oil subsidies,” Osoba said.
“He said those cabals who are doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time, but he is determined that if that is the only thing he would do, he would make sure he rearranges the economy. No matter what, he is determined to face it. So that’s the message from Mr. President.”
Tinubu had, upon assumption of office in 2023, announced the removal of petrol subsidy and later introduced foreign exchange reforms, including the unification of exchange rates.
The policies have continued to generate debate across the country, with the government insisting that they were necessary to stabilise the economy, while many Nigerians have complained of rising living costs.
Osoba said Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of NADECO members to the return of democracy in Nigeria and assured them that their roles in the struggle would not be forgotten.