…Government dismisses opposition criticism as political rhetoric, highlights security operations, investment reforms and economic indicators

Nigeria’s Presidency has rejected calls by presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign over insecurity and economic challenges, describing the demand as politically motivated and lacking constitutional basis.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, dismissed Obi’s remarks as “childish and hollow”, arguing that the opposition leader was attempting to create political distraction following recent electoral gains by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Peter Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation is childish and hollow. It is not a call to hold the leader accountable. It is merely a political grandstand and an unworthy distraction,” Onanuga said.

The statement followed comments by Obi urging President Tinubu to follow the example of United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and step aside over security concerns and economic difficulties affecting Nigerians.

Presidency challenges Obi’s constitutional argument

The Presidency argued that Obi’s comparison between Nigeria and the United Kingdom overlooked major differences in their political systems.

Onanuga said Nigeria operates a presidential system, where elected presidents serve fixed constitutional terms, unlike the UK’s parliamentary model where political leaders can leave office through parliamentary processes.

“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,” he said.

The administration maintained that leadership accountability in Nigeria must operate within the framework established by the Constitution rather than through political pressure campaigns.

APC victories cited as sign of public support

The Presidency also pointed to recent election results involving APC candidates, describing them as evidence of continued public support for Tinubu’s administration.

Onanuga referenced victories recorded by the party in Ekiti State and senatorial contests in Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers, saying the outcomes represented an early indication of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“The people have just delivered a resounding victory for President Tinubu and his party,” he said.

He argued that Obi should wait for the next presidential election rather than seek to remove an elected government through public statements.

Government defends security record

Responding to concerns about insecurity, the Presidency said the administration had made progress in tackling terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Onanuga said security agencies had rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims and significantly weakened terrorist and criminal networks through sustained military and intelligence operations.

He acknowledged that security challenges remain but insisted that the government’s efforts had produced measurable improvements.

Economic reforms and investment confidence

The Presidency also rejected claims that Nigeria was experiencing its worst economic period, arguing that reforms implemented under Tinubu had strengthened key economic indicators.

According to Onanuga, the administration inherited significant economic challenges but has introduced policies that have supported:

• stronger gross domestic product (GDP) growth;
• improved foreign exchange reserves;
• increased oil production;
• higher government revenues; and
• renewed investor confidence.

The government also cited infrastructure projects, education initiatives, power sector reforms and the implementation of the Electricity Act as evidence of ongoing economic restructuring.

Cost-of-living pressures acknowledged

While defending the administration’s economic record, the Presidency acknowledged that Nigerians continue to face cost-of-living pressures.

Onanuga attributed some inflationary challenges to global factors, including international supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting energy and commodity markets.

He said the government’s focus remained on implementing reforms rather than responding to political criticism.

“Leadership is about determination to confront the challenges facing our country and the economy. President Tinubu focuses on solutions, not rhetoric—investing in reforms, stabilising the economy, improving security, and laying the groundwork for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Political tensions ahead of 2027

The exchange highlights increasing political tensions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with opposition parties intensifying criticism of the administration’s handling of security, inflation and economic reforms.

The Presidency said Tinubu remains committed to completing his mandate and delivering long-term reforms, while opposition figures continue to demand stronger accountability over economic hardship and security challenges.

For businesses and international observers, the debate reflects broader questions around governance stability, policy continuity and Nigeria’s ability to balance economic reforms with public expectations.