The Presidency has strongly rejected a call by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as “childish” and an unnecessary distraction from governance.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency faulted Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s political system with that of the United Kingdom, arguing that the analogy was inaccurate and failed to reflect the realities of Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
According to the statement, Obi’s position was not only misplaced but also presented what the Presidency described as a selective and distorted assessment of developments in the country since 2023.
The Presidency emphasized that Nigeria operates a presidential system of government, unlike the parliamentary model practised in the United Kingdom, making Obi’s comparison inappropriate.
“Obi forgets our country does not run a parliamentary system of government like the UK. We run a presidential system, with the president elected to a fixed four-year term,” the statement noted.
Presidency Cites Electoral Successes
Defending the administration’s popularity, the Presidency pointed to recent election victories recorded by the ruling party in several states and constituencies, arguing that the outcomes reflected continued public support for President Tinubu and his government.
According to the statement, voters in Ekiti State and senatorial districts in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers States recently delivered significant victories to the President’s party, which it described as evidence of widespread confidence in the administration.
Government Defends Security Performance
On the issue of national security, the Presidency maintained that substantial progress had been made in tackling insecurity across the country.
The statement highlighted the rescue of numerous kidnap victims, the elimination of several terrorist leaders and the neutralisation of more than 15,000 terrorists through military operations.
It also stated that the government had increased investment in security through the deployment of modern technology, including drones and other surveillance tools.
In a direct criticism of Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, the Presidency argued that he lacked the credentials to question the administration’s handling of security challenges.
The statement described Obi as having failed to adequately secure lives and property during his tenure as governor.
Economic Indicators Show Progress, Presidency Says
Responding to allegations of economic decline, the Presidency argued that available economic indicators point to improvement under Tinubu’s administration.
According to the statement, Nigeria has recorded positive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in every quarter since the current administration assumed office.
It further claimed that the nation’s foreign reserves have surpassed $50 billion, while crude oil production has increased from below one million barrels per day to approximately 1.8 million barrels daily.
The statement also projected that federation revenue would exceed N30 trillion this year and noted that the Nigerian stock market had risen significantly, moving from about 50,000 points to over 250,000 points.
Infrastructure, Education and Power Sector Reforms
The Presidency also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, including the construction of long-lasting concrete roads and major highway projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.
It further cited reforms in the education sector, noting that nearly two million tertiary institution students had benefited from the Federal Government’s interest-free student loan programme.
According to the statement, the administration has also maintained stability in the academic calendar, preventing prolonged disruptions in higher institutions.
Addressing Obi’s criticism of the government’s electricity promises, the Presidency accused him of misrepresenting President Tinubu’s comments on power sector reforms.
The statement clarified that the President had pledged to improve electricity supply and end estimated billing practices while acknowledging that voters should hold him accountable if those objectives were not achieved without valid reasons.
It added that reforms in the power sector were already underway through the implementation of the Electricity Act and the rollout of prepaid metering initiatives.
Global Factors Behind Economic Hardship
The Presidency also argued that current economic challenges and inflationary pressures are not unique to Nigeria but are being experienced globally due to geopolitical tensions and conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
According to the statement, any objective political observer would acknowledge the impact of international developments on economies around the world.
Presidency Labels Resignation Call a Political Distraction
In its conclusion, the Presidency described Obi’s demand for President Tinubu’s resignation as lacking substance and serving only political interests.
The statement maintained that the call was not a genuine effort to promote accountability but rather an attempt to gain political attention.
It further criticised Obi’s comments on social media, alleging that he was disconnected from realities on the ground and operating within what it described as a self-created echo chamber.
The Presidency insisted that despite the criticisms, the Tinubu administration remains focused on implementing reforms, improving security, strengthening the economy and delivering on its development agenda.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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