Political Firestorm: Obi Demands Tinubu's Resignation, Presidency Hits Back Hard
Opposition candidate Peter Obi has called for President Bola Tinubu's resignation, citing economic decline and unfulfilled promises, drawing parallels with the British Prime Minister's exit. The presidency, however, vehemently dismissed these demands as baseless and misinformed, detailing significant progress under Tinubu's leadership in security, economy, and infrastructure, while also criticizing Obi's past governance record.
The political landscape in Nigeria has been stirred by a recent call from the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign from office.
The demand from Obi, was made on his X, saying, "Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility" and urged President Tinubu to emulate the accountability demonstrated by British Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who announced his planned resignation in July.
Mr. Obi’s call was based on what he described as President Tinubu's failure to deliver on the majority of his campaign promises, particularly regarding the improvement of living standards for Nigerian citizens.
He cited mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honor key campaign pledges as reasons for his demand.
He also invoked Nigeria’s political history, noting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had previously called for then-President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation over economic hardship and insecurity, specifically during the Chibok school kidnapping incident, arguing for governmental failure in protecting lives.
In a swift and strong rebuttal, the presidency dismissed Obi's demand as "childish, baseless, and a needless distraction from national governance."
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy,Bayo Onanuga, has issued a statement regrading to Obi’s comments as misplaced and reflecting a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023.
The presidency emphasized the fundamental difference between Nigeria's presidential system, with its fixed four-year term, and the United Kingdom's parliamentary system, which Obi appeared to misunderstand.
The presidency further highlighted recent election results in Ekiti, Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo, and Rivers states as a "resounding victory" for President Tinubu and his party, interpreting them as an "early referendum" reflecting public popularity.
The statement advised Obi to wait until the 2027 presidential election to truly gauge public sentiment regarding Tinubu’s government, criticizing his use of social media to "harangue the President out of office" as "off the mark and anti-democratic."
He addressed the criticisms leveled against President Tinubu, the presidency acknowledged that the current administration inherited a country grappling with longstanding and deeply rooted security challenges.
However, it asserted that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has made significant and measurable progress.
This includes the rescue of hundreds of people from captivity, successful high-profile operations in Borno and the Northwest, and the neutralization of terrorist kingpins.
Over 15,000 terrorists have reportedly been taken off the streets and forests, with security operations intensifying nationwide.
The statement highlighted sustained and expanded investments in security, the deployment of advanced technologies and drones, and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security to ensure a holistic approach, portraying these actions as evidence of commitment rather than failure.
The presidency also took a swipe at Peter Obi's past gubernatorial tenure, labeling him a "colossal failure" in securing lives and property in Anambra State, citing documentation by his successor, Willie Obiano.
This was used to undermine Obi's credibility in calling for Tinubu's resignation over national security breaches.
On the economic front, the presidency rejected claims of decline, saying President Tinubu inherited a struggling economy but introduced bold reforms.
It claimed the economy has since recorded consistent GDP growth above global averages, trade surpluses, and rising foreign reserves above $50 billion.
It also cited increased oil production and higher federation revenue projections, arguing these reflect improved economic performance since 2023.
The presidency said states now have more funds for development and pointed to growth in the stock market, with the All-Share Index rising significantly, along with improved investor confidence and increased foreign investment in key sectors.
It also highlighted infrastructure achievements, including major road projects across the country, and initiatives such as CNG adoption and interest-free loans for nearly two million tertiary students.
The presidency said there has been no disruption of the academic calendar by major unions in three years and clarified that Tinubu did not promise 24-hour electricity, but better access and an end to estimated billing. It also pointed to the Electricity Act and ongoing metering efforts.
It attributed rising costs partly to global tensions affecting supply chains and said the administration remains focused on reforms, stability, security, and long-term development.