Bayo Onanuga, an aide to President Bola Tinubu, has issued a statement calling on Peter Obi to take an active role in the upcoming protests. Onanuga suggested that Obi, who has endorsed the planned demonstrations, should openly lead the protesters, just as Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari did in the past.

Onanuga’s statement comes as the country prepares for a 10-day nationwide protest against economic hardship, scheduled to begin on August 1. Obi’s endorsement of the protests has sparked debate, with some calling on him to take a more visible role in the movement.

By challenging Obi to lead the protesters in person, Onanuga’s statement raises questions about the role of political leaders in grassroots movements and the extent of their involvement in public demonstrations.