IN A PUBLIC exchange that has ignited debate over free speech and government outreach, activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has published a private WhatsApp conversation in which Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, asked him to delete a social media post criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The interaction, which Sowore detailed in a fairly lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday, centres on a comment the activist made following President Tinubu’s recent speech in Brazil, where Tinubu stated there was “no more corruption in Nigeria” regarding the process of sourcing foreign exchange.
Sowore had in a tweet on X labelled the President a “criminal” for the remark, arguing it was a blatant misrepresentation of the country’s ongoing corruption challenges.
This prompted a direct message from Onanuga on the encrypted messaging platform WhatsApp. In the message, which Sowore shared verbatim, Onanuga characterised Sowore’s interpretation as a ‘total misinterpretation’ and a ‘misfire.’
In the Facebook post, Sowore stated: “Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga Writes Me to Delete My Posts on Tinubu
“Presidential spokesperson, @adebayoonanuga, wrote directly to me on WhatsApp, asking that I delete my tweet and Facebook post in which I referred to President Bola Tinubu as a criminal based on Tinubu’s recent speech in Brazil, where he claimed that there is “no more corruption in Nigeria.”
“Onanuga argued that my interpretation was a “misfire,” claiming Tinubu was only referring to the process of sourcing foreign exchange and not corruption as a whole. He even cited examples from business figures like Samad Rabiu to defend his point, and then advised me to delete my post.
“Here is his WhatsApp message to me: 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.”
In his post Sowore revealed how he declined the request and sharply criticized Onanuga’s intervention. He expressed surprise that a presidential aide would attempt to “dictate to citizens” how to interpret public statements from the head of state.
Sowore framed the request within a broader context of political repression, stating: “And here is my response:
“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.
A History of Acquaintance
Adding a layer of personal history to the political clash, Sowore noted that he has known Onanuga for decades, recalling a time when the now-presidential spokesman was a respected figure in independent media.
“Nota Bene:* I have known Bayo Onanuga for many decades. Back when I was a student leader in Lagos, Tempo, The News, and PM News were our go-to platforms. Later, before founding Sahara Reporters, I even moonlighted as a “Special Correspondent” for The News, working alongside ors [others].
The public nature of the exchange has sparked discussions on social media and among political commentators, highlighting the tensed relationship between the current administration and its critics.
It also raised questions about the boundaries of public discourse, the role of government spokespersons, and the use of private channels for public diplomacy.
