Nigeria’s Political Divide Deepens: Onochie Accuses Tinubu of Nepotism and Betrayal
In a scathing open letter that’s sparking nationwide debate, former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie has once again taken aim at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, this time over what she calls “nepotism at its peak” in the recent ambassadorial nominations. But here’s where it gets controversial: Onochie, a staunch loyalist of late President Muhammadu Buhari, isn’t just criticizing—she’s accusing the presidency of rewarding Buhari’s political adversaries while sidelining those who stood by him.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—Or Do They?
Onochie, who served as Buhari’s Special Assistant on Digital and Social Media and later chaired the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), broke down the regional distribution of ambassadorial nominees in a series of posts on her X handle. The figures? South-South (3), North-West (5), North-Central (5), North-East (5), South-East (6), and South-West (11). “But hey,” she quipped, “you are solidly in bed with nepotism.” Her point? The South-West, Tinubu’s stronghold, received nearly double the slots of some other regions. Is this fair representation, or favoritism in disguise?
Rewarding Enemies, Sidelining Loyalists?
Onochie didn’t stop at nepotism. She boldly claimed that Tinubu is compensating individuals who allegedly worked against the APC-led Buhari government. “We will overlook the glaring fact of rewarding those who mobilized hostilities against President Buhari’s administration,” she wrote. “Let’s just have ambassadors.” This accusation raises a critical question: Should political appointments prioritize loyalty, competence, or regional balance? And who gets to decide?
“Nigerians Miss You,” Onochie Tells Late Buhari
In a heartfelt yet politically charged post titled “To Former President Muhammadu Buhari,” Onochie revealed that Nigerians across regions are openly admitting they miss Buhari’s leadership. “Not because your administration was without flaws,” she clarified, “but because the pain Nigerians face today cuts deeper than words can capture.” She praised Buhari’s discipline, modest lifestyle, transparency about his health, and efforts to maintain national unity. Is this nostalgia for Buhari a fair critique of Tinubu’s leadership, or a romanticized view of the past?
A Rift Within the Ruling Party
Onochie’s comments come just three months after she publicly condemned Tinubu for turning the APC into a “private enterprise,” where fairness and justice are “kpaied” (destroyed). She even alleged that APC members who assaulted airport staff and hijacked planes were rewarded with ambassadorial posts. Is the APC losing its way, or is Onochie’s criticism a reflection of her own political agenda?
The Bigger Picture: 2027 Elections Loom
Onochie’s repeated attacks on the Tinubu government—coupled with her admission that Buhari loyalists helped bring it to power—highlight a deepening rift within the APC. “We know we are guilty of installing this incompetent and clueless government,” she admitted, “but be assured we are united in the bid to sack the government come 2027.” Is this a call to arms for Buhari loyalists, or a desperate attempt to reclaim political relevance?
The Controversial Question
As Nigeria grapples with worsening hunger, insecurity, and poverty, Onochie’s critique forces us to ask: Is Tinubu’s administration failing the nation, or is Onochie’s nostalgia for Buhari’s leadership clouding her judgment? And this is the part most people miss: Can a government truly unite a nation when its own party is so divided?
What do you think? Is Onochie’s criticism justified, or is she overstepping? Let’s debate in the comments—because in Nigeria’s political arena, every voice matters.
