Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has criticised political commentator Steve Osuji over his assessment of the 2027 presidential race and the performance of the current administration.
In a strongly worded response, Dare accused Osuji of presenting a partisan narrative that exaggerates the political strength of Peter Obi while dismissing other presidential contenders and overlooking the reforms introduced by the Tinubu government.
Dare argued that the claim that Obi won the 2023 presidential election “by miles” ignored Nigeria’s electoral structure and the constitutional requirement for broad national support. He maintained that strong performances in selected areas could not be equated with securing a nationwide mandate.
He also questioned Obi’s movement across political platforms, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Labour Party and, reportedly, the National Democratic Congress. According to Dare, such political changes did not support the argument that Obi represented consistent political organisation.
The presidential aide further rejected Osuji’s portrayal of Obi’s limited reliance on traditional campaign structures as evidence of political originality. He argued that nationwide party organisation, structured debates and institutional accountability remained important features of a serious political movement.
Dare also condemned Osuji’s alleged dismissal of other presidential aspirants, including Donald Duke, Omoyele Sowore and Adewole Adebayo. He described such treatment as an indication of intolerance towards political diversity.
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Dare Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Responding to criticism of President Tinubu’s administration, Dare said the government inherited deep-rooted economic problems, including the fuel subsidy regime and distortions in the foreign exchange market.
He argued that the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange windows were difficult but necessary decisions aimed at reducing waste, limiting financial leakages and improving public revenue.
Dare also highlighted what he described as progress in economic stabilisation, infrastructure development, education, social intervention and security. He cited increased government revenue, improved investor confidence, infrastructure projects and the activities of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as examples of the administration’s efforts.
According to him, projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and rail modernisation initiatives form part of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda.
He added that programmes involving NELFUND, Credicorp, support for small businesses and the implementation of a new national minimum wage were designed to reduce the effects of economic hardship on Nigerians.
On security, Dare said the military and other security institutions had continued operations against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. He also praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its role in tackling illicit financial activities.
Presidential Vacation Criticism Unjustified, Says Dare
Dare dismissed suggestions that Tinubu’s working vacation represented weakness or an inability to govern. He argued that modern leadership required international engagements, economic diplomacy and strategic planning beyond the country’s political capital.
He accused critics of deliberately presenting the President’s absence from Abuja as evidence of fear or failure, describing the narrative as an attempt to create political controversy.
Dare concluded that the 2027 election would be determined by the electorate’s assessment of governance rather than by political rhetoric. He maintained that the impact of Tinubu’s reforms would ultimately outweigh what he described as partisan criticism and exaggerated political claims.
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