The Presidency has called on African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to delete his recent social media post describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
According to Naija News, Sowore disclosed via 𝕏 on Tuesday that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reached out to him privately over the controversial post.
In a WhatsApp message shared by Sowore, Onanuga argued that the activist had misinterpreted Tinubu’s statement in Brazil. He stressed that the President was referring specifically to reforms in sourcing foreign exchange, not corruption in general.
Quoting Onanuga, Sowore revealed:
“Good afternoon. Your August 26 tweet that the DSS is complaining about is anchored on a total misinterpretation of what the President said in Brazil. He said there was no more corruption regarding sourcing foreign exchange and that you do not need to know CBN Governor Cardoso to get forex. Prominent business people like Samad Rabiu have all given testimony about this. That was what he meant. Nothing more. You truly misfired. I will advise that you delete the contentious post. Good afternoon.”
Onanuga further defended Tinubu’s position by citing testimonies from top business leaders like billionaire industrialist Samad Rabiu, reiterating that the President was speaking on transparency in accessing forex markets.
However, Sowore fired back, rejecting the call to delete his post. He insisted that it was unacceptable for the Presidency to dictate how citizens interpret public statements, especially those concerning national issues.
Sowore wrote:
“Good afternoon. I am surprised that you consider it appropriate to dictate to citizens like me how to interpret what is already in the public domain, especially when it comes to videos and matters that touch on the State of the Nation.
What is more troubling is that in Nigeria today, anyone who dares to criticise the President is instantly subjected to harassment by the DSS, political thugs, and every coercive instrument the state can muster. I once thought perhaps you were unaware of such abuse, but it is now clear you are complicit.
In this regard, it is you who has misfired. Your request reflects not only poor judgment but also the mindset of the principal you represent.”
The AAC chieftain also disclosed his long-standing professional relationship with Onanuga, recalling how he once worked alongside him during his early years as a journalist, before founding Sahara Reporters. He stated that, out of respect, he had sought permission to make their private exchange public, but Onanuga did not respond.
The fiery exchange has fueled online debates about freedom of speech, government criticism, and the limits of presidential tolerance in Nigeria.
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