Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, privately reached out to him via WhatsApp, urging him to delete social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Sowore said his comments were triggered by Tinubu’s recent speech in Brazil, where the President declared there was “no more corruption in Nigeria.” The activist argued that the statement was misleading and reflective of the administration’s denial of systemic corruption.
According to Sowore, Onanuga disputed his interpretation, explaining that Tinubu was specifically referring to reforms in the foreign exchange market, not to corruption across the country. Onanuga reportedly cited testimonials from top business leaders, including industrialist Samad Rabiu, as evidence that the new forex system had reduced sharp practices.
In his message, Onanuga told Sowore: “Your August 26 tweet that the DSS is complaining about is anchored on a total misinterpretation of what the President said in Brazil… I will advise that you delete the contentious post.”
Sowore, however, rejected the request, describing it as an attempt to dictate how Nigerians should interpret public statements by leaders. He also accused the Presidency of weaponising state security agencies to intimidate critics.
“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,” Sowore stated.
He further clarified that his longstanding personal relationship with Onanuga—dating back to his days as a student activist and journalist—may have influenced the spokesperson’s decision to send a private appeal. However, Sowore said he chose to make the exchange public after receiving no objection from Onanuga.
