President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Peter Obi’s call for his resignation, describing it as childish, anti-democratic and disconnected from Nigeria’s constitutional reality.
Tinubu’s response was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
The statement came hours after Obi urged Tinubu to emulate British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and resign over what he described as governance failures.
‘Nigeria is not a parliamentary system’
Onanuga said Obi’s comparison between Nigeria and the United Kingdom was flawed because both countries operate different systems of government.
According to him, Nigeria’s president serves a fixed four-year term under a presidential system.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Obi forgets our country does not run a parliamentary system of government like the UK. We run a presidential system, with the president elected to a fixed four-year term.”
‘Wait until 2027’
Furthermore, the presidency said recent election results showed that Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) still enjoy public support.
Onanuga cited the APC’s victories in the Ekiti governorship election and recent by-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers states.
“The people of Ekiti State and the senatorial constituents in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo, and Rivers have just delivered a resounding victory for President Tinubu and his party,” he said.
“Obi should wait until the presidential election to know what the people think of Tinubu’s government.”
Presidency defends security record
Meanwhile, the presidency rejected Obi’s claim that insecurity has worsened under Tinubu.
According to Onanuga, security forces have intensified operations against terrorists and criminal groups across the country.
“Hundreds of people have been rescued from captivity, including high-profile operations in Borno and the Northwest,” he said.
“Over 15,000 terrorists have been taken off the streets and forests, and security operations have intensified nationwide.”
He added that Tinubu expanded investment in security through the deployment of technology, drones and institutional reforms.
‘Economy has improved’
Onanuga also defended the administration’s economic policies.
He argued that key economic indicators show improvement since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
“Since then, the Nigerian economy has posted positive GDP growth every quarter, surpassing the global average,” he said.
“Foreign reserves have hit new highs, oil production has risen, and federation revenue is projected to exceed N30 trillion this year.”
The presidential aide further cited gains in the stock market, foreign investment inflows and infrastructure development as evidence of progress.
Presidency rejects electricity criticism
In addition, Onanuga accused Obi and his supporters of misrepresenting Tinubu’s campaign promises on electricity.
He said the president never promised 24-hour electricity for all Nigerians immediately after assuming office.
According to him, Tinubu’s administration signed the Electricity Act, encouraged decentralised power generation and accelerated the rollout of prepaid meters.
‘Obi’s call is a distraction’
The presidency concluded that Obi’s resignation demand was politically motivated.
“Peter Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation is childish and hollow,” Onanuga said.
“It is merely a political grandstand and an unworthy distraction.”
He added that Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms, security improvements and infrastructure projects rather than political rhetoric.
“President Tinubu has shown he is up to the task, and Nigeria is on the path to progress,” the statement reads.
