President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rejected calls by the Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the president to resign. The Presidency described Obi’s comments as wrong and a distraction, saying they do not reflect the current situation in the country.
The response was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. It came after Obi linked his call for resignation to recent political developments, including events in the United Kingdom.
The Presidency said Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s presidential system with the UK parliamentary system showed a misunderstanding of how both systems work. It added that Nigeria’s president is elected for a fixed term and cannot be pushed out through such public comments.
It also said the recent election results in Ekiti and other states showed strong support for President Tinubu and his party, adding that Nigerians had shown their confidence in the current leadership through the polls.
The statement also warned Obi that the outcome of future elections would be more important for his political future than for the president’s position. It urged him to wait for the 2027 presidential election if he wants to test public opinion.
On security, the Presidency said the government had recorded progress, including the removal of thousands of terrorists and the rescue of hostages in different operations. It also said security funding and technology use had increased under Tinubu’s leadership.
The statement also criticised Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, saying he had failed to handle security challenges in his state.
On the economy, the Presidency said the country had recorded steady economic growth since 2023, including improved oil production, rising foreign reserves, and stronger trade performance. It also said the stock market had grown and attracted more investors.
It added that inflation and high living costs remain challenges, but said global issues such as conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions in global supply chains have also affected prices in Nigeria.
Obi had earlier said his call for resignation was inspired by the resignation announcement of the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. He argued that leaders should step down when situations demand it.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election and later joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress as its presidential candidate for 2027, remains a key opposition figure in the country.