Presidency Slams Obi’s Call For Tinubu’s Resignation, Says It Is ‘Childish Distraction’

The Presidency has dismissed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, describing it as a “childish” move and an unwarranted political distraction.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the position known in a statement issued on Monday, faulting Obi’s comparison of developments in the United Kingdom with Nigeria’s political system.

According to the Presidency, Obi’s argument overlooked the fact that Nigeria operates a presidential system of government where elected presidents serve fixed constitutional terms, unlike the parliamentary system practised in the United Kingdom.

The Presidency said recent election outcomes showed continued support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, adding that Obi should wait for the 2027 presidential election to test public opinion on the administration.

It described attempts to remove an elected president through public pressure outside constitutional procedures as undemocratic.

The Presidency also defended the administration’s record in tackling insecurity, stating that the government had expanded security operations, deployed technology and supported military interventions against terrorists and criminal groups.

It said security agencies had recorded successes through the rescue of victims, neutralisation of terrorist leaders and intensified operations across affected regions.

On the economy, the Presidency rejected Obi’s claim that Nigeria was in its worst condition, arguing that reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration had produced positive results.

It highlighted improvements in economic indicators, including GDP growth, foreign reserves, oil production, government revenue and investor confidence.

The Presidency also pointed to infrastructure projects, electricity sector reforms, the Compressed Natural Gas initiative and student loan programme as evidence of its commitment to national development.

Addressing criticism over electricity supply, it said President Tinubu did not promise instant 24-hour electricity nationwide but pledged to improve access, eliminate estimated billing and reform the power sector.

The Presidency noted that the administration had signed the Electricity Act, expanded prepaid metering and encouraged alternative energy solutions.

While acknowledging challenges such as the rising cost of living, it attributed some pressures to global economic disruptions affecting several countries.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remained focused on implementing reforms, strengthening security and improving the economy, describing Obi’s comments as political rhetoric rather than constructive criticism.