Presidency dismisses Obi’s call for Tinubu’s resignation

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Presidency has dismissed recent calls by former Labour Party presidential candidate and current presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as “childish,” “hollow,” and a distraction from governance.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s situation with the resignation of a British Prime Minister was misplaced, noting that Nigeria operates a presidential system with fixed constitutional terms.

According to Onanuga, recent electoral victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and senatorial elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers states reflected continued public support for President Tinubu and his administration.

“Obi should wait until the presidential election to know what the people think of Tinubu’s government. Moving to use X to harangue the President out of office is off the mark and anti-democratic,” he said.

The presidential aide argued that President Tinubu inherited longstanding security and economic challenges but has recorded measurable progress since assuming office in May 2023.

On security, Onanuga said the administration had intensified operations against terrorism and banditry, leading to the rescue of hundreds of abducted victims and the neutralisation of several terrorist leaders.

“Over 15,000 terrorists have been taken off the streets and forests, and security operations have intensified nationwide,” he stated.

He added that the government had expanded investments in security technology, including the deployment of drones, and appointed a Special Adviser on Homeland Security to strengthen coordination and response efforts.

Defending the administration’s economic reforms, Onanuga said Obi’s portrayal of Nigeria as being in its worst condition ignored what he described as positive economic indicators recorded under the current government.

He said the economy had posted consistent quarterly growth, while foreign reserves, oil production, government revenues and investor confidence had all improved.

“Since then, the Nigerian economy has posted positive GDP growth every quarter, surpassing the global average. Trade surpluses have been recorded consistently, and foreign reserves have hit new highs,” he said.

The Presidency also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development.

Onanuga further cited reforms in the education sector, including the student loan scheme, and noted the relative stability in public universities, with no prolonged disruptions from academic unions during the period under review.

Responding to criticism over electricity supply, the presidential spokesman accused Obi and his supporters of misrepresenting campaign promises made by President Tinubu.

He maintained that the administration had taken concrete steps to improve electricity generation and distribution through the implementation of the Electricity Act, the rollout of prepaid meters and the expansion of off-grid solar projects.

While acknowledging the high cost of living, Onanuga attributed part of the economic pressure to global developments, particularly tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global supply chains and commodity prices.

The statement concluded that President Tinubu remains focused on reforms aimed at improving security, stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

“Leadership is about determination to confront the challenges facing our country and the economy. President Tinubu focuses on solutions, not rhetoric—investing in reforms, stabilising the economy, improving security, and laying the groundwork for a more prosperous Nigeria,” Onanuga said.

He maintained that calls for the President’s resignation were politically motivated and failed to acknowledge what the Presidency described as the administration’s achievements in governance, economic management and national development.