In recent developments, Bayo Onanuga, a prominent presidential aide, has openly challenged Peter Obi to step up and lead the planned protest against Nigeria’s economic hardships. Onanuga criticized Obi for his indirect support of the protest, calling him a “master puppeteer” for not taking a more visible leadership role.

This criticism comes after Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, expressed his backing for the protest. Obi attributed the protest’s causes to widespread hunger, hopelessness, and other issues affecting the youth. Onanuga’s remarks suggest that if Obi is genuinely committed to addressing these issues, he should lead the protest from the front rather than remaining behind the scenes.