Presidency Rejects Obi's Call for Tinubu to Step Down

The Presidency has rejected Peter Obi’s request for President Bola Tinubu to resign. They called Obi's statement misplaced and said it is based on a selective view of Nigeria's situation since 2023.

This was said in a statement on Monday in Abuja by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. He mentioned that Obi's comments do not reflect Nigeria's political and constitutional realities.

Onanuga explained that Nigeria has a presidential system of government, unlike the parliamentary system in the UK. He said asking for a resignation outside constitutional processes is not appropriate.

He pointed out that Tinubu was elected for a fixed term of four years. Voters should assess him during the next presidential election, not through social media campaigns.

Onanuga also noted recent electoral wins by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti and senatorial elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo, and Rivers states, showing public support.

“Obi should wait until the presidential election to see how the people feel about Tinubu’s government. Using X to push the President out of office is off the mark and anti-democratic,” he said.

When discussing security, Onanuga said Tinubu inherited long-standing issues. But he has made progress with stronger military operations and increased spending on national security.

He stated that hundreds of kidnapped victims have been saved, and over 15,000 terrorists have been neutralised in various operations across the country.

Onanuga mentioned that the government has boosted security investments with advanced technology, drones, and a new Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

“It is laughable that Obi, who failed as governor and could not secure Anambra, is now calling for Tinubu’s resignation over security issues in some areas,” he said.

On the economy, Onanuga criticized Obi's view of Nigeria as being in its worst condition. He said this ignores the economic indicators and global recognition of ongoing reforms.

He reminded everyone that Tinubu inherited a “dead horse economy” and started reforms that previous governments avoided.

According to him, Nigeria has seen GDP growth every quarter since 2023. Trade surpluses and foreign reserves are also improving.

He revealed that oil production has increased from less than one million barrels per day to about 1.8 million barrels. He also said that federation revenue is expected to exceed N30 trillion by 2026.

As of May 2026, N15.7 trillion has already been generated, more than double the total revenue from 2022. This will help development efforts by state governments.

The stock market has also grown, with the All-Share Index rising from around 50,000 points to over 250,000 points during this time.

Onanuga said that the naira exchange rate has stabilised, and foreign investments, especially in oil and gas, have reached record levels.

He also mentioned infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as proof of the government's development agenda.

Mr Tinubu has supported the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and has arranged interest-free loans for almost two million students.

Onanuga said that universities have not faced major disruptions from unions like ASUU and NASU in the last three years.

He discussed the electricity supply, saying critics have misrepresented Tinubu’s campaign promises. He noted that the president signed the Electricity Act to decentralise the power sector.

He added that millions of prepaid meters have been distributed, off-grid solar projects are expanding, and challenges with transmission and pricing are being addressed to attract investment.

While he acknowledged the high cost of living, Onanuga linked some economic pressure to global issues, including tensions in the Middle East and supply chain problems.

He called Obi’s resignation request a political distraction, insisting that Tinubu is focused on reforms, economic stability, security, and long-term national growth.

“True leadership means staying the course, learning, adapting, and delivering results.

“President Tinubu has shown he is up to the task, and Nigeria is on the path to progress,” he said.

Onanuga concluded that Obi’s comments show a made-up story that is out of touch with reality. He reaffirmed that the administration is committed to fulfilling its mandate.