Call for resignation: Tinubu not underperforming, presidency fires back at Obi

The Presidency has dismissed calls by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resignation, describing the remarks as misplaced and a distraction from ongoing national reforms.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s presidential system with the United Kingdom’s parliamentary system was incorrect and showed a misunderstanding of the country’s constitutional arrangement.

The statement noted that Nigeria operates a presidential system with fixed terms, adding that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering his mandate amid what it described as recent electoral successes recorded by his political party in parts of the country.

On security, the Presidency said the administration inherited long-standing challenges but insisted that progress had been made, citing ongoing military operations, the rescue of abducted persons, and intensified efforts against criminal groups. It also highlighted increased investment in security technology and the establishment of additional security advisory structures.

On the economy, the statement said key indicators had improved under the current administration, including reported GDP growth, increased foreign reserves, higher oil production levels, and improved government revenue. It added that state governments were receiving higher allocations, enabling increased spending on development projects.

The Presidency further stated that investor confidence had improved, pointing to gains in the stock market, foreign investment inflows, and relative stability in the exchange rate.

It also referenced infrastructure projects across the country, including major highway developments, as part of efforts to drive long-term economic growth.

On the power sector, the statement said ongoing reforms, including the Electricity Act, expansion of metering, and investment in off-grid solutions, were aimed at improving electricity supply nationwide.

The government also defended its education policies, including student loan schemes and efforts to maintain uninterrupted academic calendars in tertiary institutions.

Responding to concerns over the cost of living, the Presidency attributed inflationary pressures to global economic disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting commodity prices.

The statement concluded that calls for the President’s resignation were politically motivated and not reflective of the country’s current direction, insisting that the administration remained focused on reforms, economic stabilisation, and national development.