The Presidency has rejected calls by former presidential candidate Peter Obi for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as “childish,” “hollow,” and an attempt to distract from the administration’s achievements.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s political situation with the resignation of the British Prime Minister was misguided because Nigeria operates a presidential system with fixed terms, unlike the United Kingdom’s parliamentary structure.
According to Onanuga, recent electoral victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and several senatorial by-elections demonstrate continued public support for President Tinubu and his administration.
The presidential aide argued that Tinubu inherited deep-rooted security and economic challenges but has made measurable progress since assuming office in May 2023. He cited the rescue of hundreds of kidnapping victims, the elimination of terrorist leaders, intensified military operations, and increased deployment of security technology as evidence of improvements in the security sector.
Onanuga also dismissed Obi’s criticism of the government’s handling of insecurity, stating that the former Anambra governor lacked the moral authority to make such claims, referencing criticisms of security management during Obi’s tenure in the state.
On the economy, the Presidency maintained that Nigeria has witnessed significant improvements under Tinubu’s leadership. Onanuga pointed to sustained quarterly GDP growth, rising foreign reserves, increased oil production, higher government revenues, and improved investor confidence as indicators of economic recovery.
He said federation revenues are projected to exceed N30 trillion this year, compared to N7.7 trillion in 2022, while oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day. He also noted gains in the stock market, claiming that millions of Nigerian investors have benefited from the growth in equity values.
The statement further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, describing them as landmark developments that previous administrations were unable to execute.
Defending the administration’s social and education policies, Onanuga cited the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives and the student loan scheme, which has provided interest-free loans to nearly two million tertiary students. He also pointed to the absence of prolonged university strikes under Tinubu’s administration as evidence of progress in the education sector.
Responding to Obi’s criticism of electricity supply, the Presidency said the former Labour Party candidate had repeatedly misrepresented Tinubu’s campaign promises. Onanuga stated that the administration’s Electricity Act has empowered states to generate and distribute power independently, while millions of prepaid meters have been deployed to reduce estimated billing.
While acknowledging the high cost of living, Onanuga attributed current economic pressures partly to global developments, including tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to international supply chains.
He concluded that Obi’s call for the President’s resignation amounted to political grandstanding rather than constructive criticism, insisting that Tinubu remains focused on reforms aimed at improving security, stabilising the economy, expanding infrastructure, and positioning Nigeria for long-term growth.
The Presidency maintained that despite existing challenges, the country is making progress under Tinubu’s leadership and remains on a path toward greater prosperity.