“Childish and Misleading” — Presidency Slams Obi Over Call for Tinubu’s Resignation

A major political confrontation has erupted between the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the Presidency after Obi called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as failures in governance, prompting a strong rebuttal from the Federal Government describing the remarks as “childish and an unwarranted distraction.”

In a post on his official X account, Obi referenced the recent resignation announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, arguing that leaders in democratic systems should be held accountable when they fail to meet public expectations.

Obi said he was reflecting on global political practices where leaders step down in response to public dissatisfaction, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.

He also recalled that before the 2015 general elections, President Tinubu had previously called for the resignation of former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity challenges, particularly the Chibok school kidnapping incident.

According to Obi, the conditions in Nigeria today have worsened under the Tinubu administration, citing persistent electricity shortages, rising insecurity, economic hardship and underperformance in critical sectors.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” Obi stated.

He further argued that campaign promises made during the 2023 elections, including improved power supply, anti-corruption efforts and better welfare conditions had not been fulfilled.

Obi concluded by calling for the President’s resignation, saying such a step would promote accountability and strengthen democratic responsibility.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” he said.

The Presidency, however, swiftly rejected Obi’s comments, describing his remarks as “childish and an unwarranted distraction.”

In a strongly worded statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s presidential system with the United Kingdom’s parliamentary arrangement was “misleading” and “constitutionally incorrect.”

It further accused the opposition leader of distorting facts about governance in Nigeria, insisting that the administration has recorded measurable progress since assuming office in 2023, adding that Nigeria operates a fixed-term presidential system which cannot be reduced to political pressure or online commentary.

It further argued that President Tinubu enjoys democratic legitimacy following what it described as recent electoral victories by the ruling party in various states, which it said reflect continued public support.

The Presidency dismissed Obi’s comparisons as “selective and distorted,” insisting that the administration has recorded significant progress since assuming office in 2023.

On security, the government stated that ongoing operations have led to the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims and the neutralisation of terrorist elements across multiple regions. It also claimed that more than 15,000 criminals and insurgents have been taken off the streets through intensified security operations.

The statement added that investments in modern security technologies, including surveillance systems and drones, alongside strategic appointments, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to restoring stability.

On the economy, the Presidency argued that Nigeria has recorded quarterly GDP growth, improved trade balances and increased foreign reserves, which it put at over $50 billion. It also claimed that oil production has risen significantly compared to previous levels, while government revenue has grown substantially.

According to the statement, the stock market has also experienced strong gains, with the All-Share Index reportedly rising sharply, creating wealth for millions of investors.

The Presidency further defended reforms in infrastructure, power and education, including the Electricity Act, expansion of metering initiatives and student loan schemes, which it said reflect long-term structural reforms rather than short-term fixes.

It also maintained that inflationary pressures and cost-of-living challenges are global in nature, linking Nigeria’s economic situation to wider geopolitical disruptions affecting global supply chains and energy markets.

Describing Obi’s remarks as politically motivated, the Presidency accused him of misrepresenting national conditions and engaging in what it called “grandstanding ahead of future elections.”

The statement concluded by reaffirming that President Tinubu remains focused on governance, reforms and long-term economic stability, insisting that Nigeria is on a trajectory of progress despite current challenges.

As political tensions intensify, the exchange underscores the growing rivalry between the ruling party and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with governance, economic performance and national security emerging as key battleground issues.