The Presidency has dismissed recent calls by Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as “childish,” “misplaced,” and an attempt to distract from the administration’s achievements.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, faulted Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s political system with that of the United Kingdom, arguing that the two countries operate different democratic structures.
According to Onanuga, Nigeria’s presidential system grants elected leaders a fixed constitutional tenure, unlike the parliamentary system in the UK where prime ministers can leave office before the end of a legislative term.
The presidential aide also pointed to recent electoral victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in parts of the country, saying the outcomes reflected continued public support for President Tinubu and his administration.
On security, Onanuga acknowledged the country’s challenges but maintained that the Tinubu administration had recorded measurable successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
He said security agencies had rescued hundreds of victims from captivity, neutralised terrorist leaders and intensified operations across various regions of the country.
“President Tinubu has not only sustained but expanded investments in security through the deployment of advanced technology and drones, while also strengthening coordination through institutional reforms,” the statement said.
The Presidency further defended the administration’s economic policies, arguing that recent reforms have improved key economic indicators despite prevailing challenges.
Onanuga said Nigeria had recorded positive economic growth since 2023, improved foreign reserves, increased oil production and higher government revenues. He also cited gains in the capital market and increased investor confidence as evidence that the economy was on a recovery path.
According to him, the administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and measures aimed at attracting investment, have laid the foundation for long-term economic stability.
The statement also highlighted infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, as well as interventions in education through the student loan programme and efforts to improve electricity supply.
Responding to criticisms over power supply, Onanuga said President Tinubu had taken steps to decentralise electricity generation through the Electricity Act and expand access to prepaid meters nationwide.
While acknowledging the high cost of living, the Presidency attributed part of the pressure on households to global economic developments and geopolitical tensions affecting international markets.
Onanuga argued that leadership requires perseverance and reforms rather than resignation, insisting that President Tinubu remains focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He described Obi’s comments as political grandstanding and maintained that the administration remains committed to improving security, strengthening the economy and delivering on its campaign promises.
The statement comes amid ongoing exchanges between the opposition and the Federal Government over the state of the economy, security and governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
