President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, responded to Obi’s remarks, insisting that borrowing is neither a “leprosy” nor a “cancer,” as earlier suggested by the former presidential candidate.

He maintained that it is normal for sovereign nations to take loans and described Obi’s position as misleading.

Obi had earlier likened the government’s borrowing pattern to “leprosy and cancer,” warning against excessive loans not directed at productive economic growth.

In his post on X, Obi stated: “Mr. President, borrowing money is not just a problem, but a serious issue when it’s done for personal use instead of helping create jobs and grow the economy, which is happening in Nigeria right now.”

Reacting, Onanuga dismissed the comparison, accusing Obi of repeating “old arguments” and using sensational rhetoric.

He said, “Mr Peter Obi, you’re bringing up the same old arguments again with your sensationalist approach.

“What are you trying to say about borrowing? Every sovereign nation borrows money, and as President Tinubu correctly pointed out, borrowing is not a disease.

“If you really want to know, the government has been taking loans to pay for important infrastructure projects, not to spend on everyday things.

“The fact that we are getting money and have lenders who are willing to lend shows that our country is trustworthy and able to pay back the money.

“As a politician, you need to go beyond basic thinking and deal with today’s problems using calm reasoning, not by reacting with strong emotions on the streets or online.”

reports that in its ruling on Thursday, the apex court affirmed the faction of the ADC led by former Senate President, David Mark.

The Supreme Court also set aside an earlier order directing the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum while the leadership crisis was being resolved.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the court held that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal exceeded its jurisdiction by issuing the order after it had already dismissed the case brought before it by one of the factions.

Reacting to the judgment, Atiku congratulated David Mark on the outcome but cautioned that the ADC must not become complacent, stressing that significant challenges still lie ahead.

He said the ruling should be seen as a victory for Nigerians and urged supporters of the party to remain committed, noting that the struggle for national rescue is ongoing.

“Even as we welcome the Supreme Court’s firm affirmation of David Mark and the leadership of our great party, the African Democratic Congress, let no one be lulled into complacency. The road ahead remains long in our cause to take back and rescue our country.

“This victory belongs to Nigerians, the courageous millions who refuse to surrender their future. We thank them, and we urge them to remain steadfast, because the struggle is far from over. As we press on, let this truth guide us: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” he said.