The Presidency has strongly rejected calls by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as “childish,” “hollow,” and a distraction from the government’s efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s political situation with the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reflected a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s constitutional system and ignored what it described as significant progress recorded under the Tinubu administration.
According to Onanuga, Nigeria operates a presidential system of government with fixed electoral terms, unlike the parliamentary model in 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,” Onanuga said.
He argued that recent election victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and several senatorial districts across the country demonstrate continued public support for President Tinubu and his administration.
“The election results, some early referendum of sorts, show that President Tinubu and his party are popular with Nigerians. Obi should wait until the presidential election to know what the people think of Tinubu’s government,” he stated.
The presidential spokesman also defended the administration’s handling of security challenges, noting that the government inherited longstanding security problems but had intensified military operations, deployed advanced technologies, strengthened intelligence gathering and recorded successes against terrorist groups.
“Hundreds of people have been rescued from captivity, over 15,000 terrorists have been taken off the streets and forests, and security operations have intensified nationwide,” Onanuga said.
On the economy, the Presidency accused Obi of ignoring positive economic indicators and reforms introduced since May 2023.
According to Onanuga, the Tinubu administration inherited a struggling economy but has since recorded consistent GDP growth, increased oil production, improved foreign reserves and higher government revenues.
“Foreign reserves have hit new highs of over $50 billion, oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, and federation revenue is projected to exceed N30 trillion this year,” he said.
The statement further highlighted gains in infrastructure, including the construction of major road projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, as well as reforms in the power sector following the signing of the Electricity Act.
Onanuga also pointed to the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives, student loan programmes and the absence of prolonged university shutdowns by academic unions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to reform.
Addressing concerns over the rising cost of living, the Presidency argued that global economic disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global supply chains, have contributed to inflationary pressures experienced across many countries.
While acknowledging that Nigeria still faces challenges, Onanuga maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering solutions through reforms, economic stabilisation and investments in critical sectors.
“Leadership is about determination to confront the challenges facing our country and the economy. President Tinubu focuses on solutions, not rhetoric,” he said.
The presidential spokesman described Obi’s call for resignation as a political distraction rather than a genuine effort to promote accountability.
“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 stated.
