The Presidency has strongly rejected recent calls by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as misguided, undemocratic and disconnected from Nigeria’s political realities.
In a lengthy statement, the Presidency argued that Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s political system with that of the United Kingdom was flawed, noting that Nigeria operates a presidential system in which elected leaders serve fixed terms.
According to the statement, recent electoral victories recorded by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in parts of the country demonstrate continued public support for President Tinubu and his administration.
The Presidency said Obi should allow Nigerians to decide the government’s fate during the next general election rather than calling for the president’s resignation through social media commentary.
Defending the administration’s security record, the Presidency acknowledged the country’s longstanding security challenges but maintained that significant progress has been made since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
It cited the rescue of kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of terrorist leaders, and intensified military operations across different regions of the country.
The statement also highlighted increased investment 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, the Presidency dismissed Obi’s assessment that Nigeria is in its worst condition, arguing that several economic indicators show improvement.
According to the statement, the economy has recorded positive growth since the administration introduced major reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange market adjustments.
The government further pointed to rising foreign reserves, increased oil production, higher government revenues, and gains in the stock market as evidence of economic recovery.
The Presidency said federation revenues have increased substantially compared to previous years, providing state governments with more resources for infrastructure, healthcare, education and other development projects.
It also cited growing investor confidence and increased foreign investment inflows as signs that economic reforms are yielding results.
The statement further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, describing them as landmark initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s education and energy policies.
It noted that the administration’s student loan programme has expanded access to tertiary education and pointed to the absence of prolonged nationwide university strikes since the president took office.
Addressing criticisms of electricity supply, the Presidency said Tinubu had taken steps to reform the power sector through the implementation of the Electricity Act, which allows states to participate more actively in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
The government added that millions of prepaid meters have been deployed to reduce estimated billing while efforts continue to improve transmission infrastructure and attract investment into the sector.
While acknowledging the rising cost of living, the Presidency argued that inflationary pressures are not unique to Nigeria and have been influenced by global economic disruptions, including geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets and supply chains.
The statement concluded that Tinubu remains focused on implementing reforms, strengthening security and improving economic conditions, despite ongoing challenges.
Describing Obi’s criticism as political grandstanding, the Presidency insisted that the administration is committed to delivering on its promises and maintaining the country’s path toward growth and development.
The exchange marks the latest chapter in the political rivalry between the opposition leader and the Tinubu administration as attention gradually shifts toward preparations for the 2027 general election.
