The Presidency has dismissed calls by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the remarks as “childish, hollow and an unworthy distraction” amid growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
The reaction was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused Mr Obi of misrepresenting Nigeria’s political and economic realities and attempting to undermine recent electoral outcomes.
According to the statement, Mr Onanuga said Mr Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s governance structure with that of the United Kingdom was flawed and showed a misunderstanding of constitutional governance.
“Peter Obi’s latest comments… are not only misplaced but also reflect a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023,” the statement read.
He argued that Nigeria operates a presidential system with fixed terms, unlike the UK parliamentary system referenced by Mr Obi.
Election results and political jabs
The Presidency also linked Mr Obi’s comments to recent electoral outcomes, including the Ekiti governorship election and senatorial by-elections in parts of the country, which it said reinforced support for the ruling party.
It warned that the results should serve as a political signal to Mr Obi and his party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This should be more concerning for Peter Obi and his new Special Purpose Vehicle, NDC,” the statement added.
Security claims and counterclaims
The Presidency defended its security record, claiming operational successes including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of hostages, and improved coordination with international partners.
It said over 15,000 insurgents had been removed from circulation and that advanced surveillance technologies had been deployed across conflict-prone regions.
It also criticised Mr Obi’s previous tenure as Governor of Anambra State, alleging he failed to secure lives and property effectively.
Economic performance dispute
On the economy, the Presidency insisted that official data contradicted claims of national decline.
It said Nigeria had recorded consistent GDP growth since May 2023, rising foreign reserves above $50 billion, increased oil production to about 1.8 million barrels per day, and improved federation revenue.
It also pointed to the performance of the stock market, stating that the All-Share Index had risen significantly and created wealth for millions of investors.
Electricity, Education and Policy defence
The statement further defended President Tinubu’s electricity reforms, noting that decentralisation through the Electricity Act had expanded state participation in power generation.
It also highlighted the deployment of prepaid meters and expansion of off-grid solar projects across public institutions.
On education, the Presidency claimed there had been no disruption of academic calendars for three years, describing it as a fulfilment of a key campaign promise.
Obi’s position
In his response, Mr Peter Obi said his comments were informed by comparative global governance analysis, citing developments in the United Kingdom where Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his planned resignation.
Mr Obi, who left the Labour Party after the 2023 elections, is now the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress following his defection in 2026.
He finished third in the 2023 presidential election behind President Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
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