Tinubu’s aide mocks opposition party over missing manifesto

The Nigerian political landscape is heating up as the 2027 general elections approach, and the ruling party's strategists are already scrutinizing the opposition. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has publicly called out the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he describes as a significant deficit in their political offering: a missing manifesto.

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I was interested in the party’s manifesto and whether it has enunciated a markedly different vision for the governance of Nigeria, one better than President Tinubu’s and the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onanuga's critique, disseminated via his X handle, highlights a perceived lack of substance from the NDC. He noted that despite the party recently becoming a platform for prominent figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, its online presence offers no clear vision for Nigeria's governance. This is particularly concerning, he argues, when compared to the ruling APC's "Renewed Hope Agenda." The presidential aide's investigation into the NDC's website revealed an inability to access any manifesto, with the site merely displaying vague "policy nuggets" rather than a comprehensive plan.

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No document found was the response I got each time I tried to download the manifesto.

From the perspective of the Presidency's information unit, this situation raises serious questions about the NDC's preparedness and seriousness as a political force. The absence of a detailed manifesto, especially after attracting significant political figures, suggests a lack of strategic planning or perhaps an attempt to obscure a lack of concrete proposals. The challenge now lies with the NDC leadership, particularly Senator Seriake Dickson, to step forward and articulate a compelling vision that can genuinely compete with the established agenda of the current administration. The upcoming political discourse will undoubtedly focus on whether these newly formed alliances can translate into a coherent and convincing platform for Nigerians.

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However, the nuggets don’t read like pillars. They sound more like the platitudes the party’s newest catch, Peter Obi, has bombarded the nation with in the last six years.