The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed recent comments by Peter Obi calling for the resignation of President Bola Tinubu, describing the remarks as misguided, selective, and a distraction from ongoing national reforms.
In a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s presidential system with the United Kingdom’s parliamentary arrangement was fundamentally flawed.
“Obi’s latest comments calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, based on a comparison with the British prime minister’s voluntary exit, are not only misplaced but also reflect a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023,” the statement read.
The Presidency further argued that Nigeria operates a presidential system with fixed terms, insisting that the President cannot be pressured out of office through social media commentary.
It also referenced recent electoral outcomes in parts of the country, describing them as evidence of continued public support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and his party, and urged political actors to await the 2027 general elections for a proper democratic test.
On security, the Presidency said the administration had recorded measurable progress, including the rescue of abducted citizens and intensified military operations across various regions.
“Hundreds of people have been rescued from captivity. Over 15,000 terrorists have been taken off the streets and forests,” the statement claimed, adding that government forces have neutralized terrorist kingpins through coordinated operations.
The Presidency also highlighted increased defense investments, the deployment of surveillance technology, and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security as part of efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.
On the economy, the Presidency rejected Obi’s assessment of worsening conditions, insisting that macroeconomic indicators showed improvement since 2023.
It cited quarterly GDP growth, improved oil production levels, rising external reserves, and increased federation revenues as signs of economic recovery.
“Since then, the Nigerian economy has posted positive GDP growth every quarter, foreign reserves have hit new highs, over $50 billion,” the statement said, adding that oil production had risen significantly compared to previous years.
The government also pointed to gains in the capital market, noting that the All-Share Index had surged, creating wealth for millions of investors, while state governments were now receiving higher allocations for development projects.
On the power sector, the Presidency clarified that President Tinubu’s campaign remarks were being misrepresented, stressing that reforms such as the Electricity Act were designed to decentralize electricity generation and distribution.
It added that ongoing metering projects and off-grid solar initiatives were aimed at reducing estimated billing and expanding access to electricity across the country.
While acknowledging economic hardship, particularly the rising cost of living, the statement attributed some pressures to global disruptions affecting commodity markets.
“Any honest politician will agree this is a global problem resulting from tensions in the Middle East,” the Presidency stated, linking inflationary pressures to international supply chain disruptions.
The State House concluded that Obi’s remarks amounted to political grandstanding, insisting that the administration remained focused on reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving security.
“President Tinubu focuses on solutions, not rhetoric. Nigeria, under him, has been on the path to progress,” the statement added.
The Presidency urged political figures to contribute constructively to national development rather than engage in what it described as “unwarranted distractions.”