The Presidency has dismissed recent calls by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as misplaced, politically motivated and inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional system of government.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, argued that comparisons between Nigeria and the United Kingdom were inappropriate, noting that while the UK operates a parliamentary system, Nigeria’s President is elected for a fixed four-year term under a presidential system.
Onanuga said recent election victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and several senatorial districts reflected continued public support for President Tinubu and his administration.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately assess the administration’s performance during the next general election rather than through social media campaigns or calls for resignation.
Defending the government’s record on security, the Presidency acknowledged the country’s longstanding security challenges but argued that the administration had made measurable progress since assuming office in May 2023.
According to the statement, security forces have intensified operations across the country, resulting in the rescue of kidnapping victims, the elimination of terrorist commanders and increased pressure on insurgent groups operating in the North-East and North-West.
The Presidency also highlighted investments in security infrastructure, including the deployment of advanced technology and drones, as well as the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security.
On the economy, Onanuga rejected claims that the country was in decline, citing improvements in key economic indicators, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, increased foreign reserves, higher oil production and improved government revenues.
He said the administration’s economic reforms had strengthened investor confidence, increased revenue available to state governments and contributed to growth in the capital market.
The statement further pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to long-term national development.
Onanuga also highlighted the government’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative and the student loan programme, describing them as innovative policies aimed at reducing transportation costs and expanding access to higher education.
Addressing criticism of the administration’s performance in the power sector, the Presidency said President Tinubu had taken significant steps to reform electricity generation and distribution through the implementation of the Electricity Act and the expansion of prepaid meter installations nationwide.
While acknowledging that Nigeria continues to face economic and social challenges, including the high cost of living, the Presidency attributed part of the pressure to global economic disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting energy prices and supply chains.
The statement concluded by describing Obi’s call for the President’s resignation as an unnecessary distraction, insisting that the administration remains focused on implementing reforms, improving security and strengthening the economy.
“President Tinubu has shown determination to confront the nation’s challenges through reforms and practical solutions,” Onanuga stated, adding that the administration remains committed to delivering on its mandate and advancing national development.
