The Presidency has dismissed recent calls by Peter Obi for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the remarks as “childish and hollow” and a distraction from governance.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised the former Anambra State governor for drawing comparisons between Nigeria’s political system and that of the United Kingdom.
“Peter Obi’s latest comments calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, based on a comparison with the British Prime Minister’s voluntary exit, are not only misplaced but also reflect a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023,” the statement said.
The Presidency argued that Nigeria’s presidential system, which guarantees a fixed four-year term, makes such calls inappropriate, insisting that electoral outcomes remain the only legitimate measure of public confidence. It pointed to recent victories by the ruling party in Ekiti and senatorial districts across Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers states as evidence of continued support for the administration.
“Moving to use X to harangue the President out of office is off the mark and anti-democratic,” Onanuga stated.
On security, the Presidency acknowledged ongoing challenges but maintained that progress had been made under Tinubu’s leadership. It cited the rescue of hundreds of abducted persons, intensified military operations, and the neutralisation of “terrorist kingpins”, noting that more than 15,000 militants had been taken off the streets and forests.
The statement also took aim at Obi’s record in office, referencing criticism by his successor, Willie Obiano. “It is laughable that Obi, who, as governor, was a colossal failure, unable to secure lives and property in his small state of Anambra… is now the one calling for President Tinubu’s resignation,” it said.
On the economy, the Presidency rejected Obi’s assertion that Nigeria is in its “worst possible condition”, pointing instead to what it described as measurable improvements since May 2023. These include consistent GDP growth, rising foreign reserves exceeding $50 billion, and increased oil production to about 1.8 million barrels per day.
It further highlighted gains in government revenue, projecting over N30 trillion for the year, alongside a surge in stock market performance, which it said had created wealth for millions of Nigerian investors.
“President Tinubu inherited what another successor of Peter Obi described as ‘a dead horse economy’,” the statement noted, adding that the administration’s reforms had restored investor confidence and boosted trade.
On infrastructure, the government cited ongoing projects such as the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, as well as the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cheaper alternative to petrol and diesel. It also referenced student loan initiatives and the absence of prolonged university strikes as evidence of policy impact.
Addressing criticisms of power supply, the Presidency clarified remarks attributed to Tinubu during his campaign, insisting they had been misrepresented. It pointed to the signing of the Electricity Act and the rollout of prepaid meters as steps towards improving electricity access and ending estimated billing.
While conceding that Nigerians continue to face a high cost of living, the statement attributed the situation partly to global economic disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East.
“Peter Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation is childish and hollow. It is not a call to hold the leader accountable. It is merely a political grandstand and an unworthy distraction,” Onanuga said.
The statement concluded with a defence of Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that his administration remains focused on reforms, economic stability and national security.
“President Tinubu has shown he is up to the task, and Nigeria is on the path to progress,” it added.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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