Presidency Hits Back at Obi, Defends Performance Record

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

The Presidency has rejected calls by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing it as a political distraction and a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, fired back in a State House statement on Monday sent to Persecondnews, arguing that Obi’s comparison to parliamentary systems is constitutionally flawed.

“Peter Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation is childish and hollow. It is merely political grandstanding and an unworthy distraction.”

The statement stressed that leadership approval in a democracy is determined only through elections, not public commentary or social media narratives.

“The electoral process remains the only legitimate means of testing leadership approval in a democracy, not selective commentary on social media.”

On security, the Presidency said ongoing operations have led to the rescue of abducted citizens and sustained pressure on criminal networks across the country.

“We have recorded sustained operations resulting in the rescue of hundreds of abducted citizens and disruption of criminal networks across the country.”

It added that security operations have been strengthened through intelligence tools, technology deployment, and coordinated military responses.

“More than 15,000 terrorists have been neutralised in ongoing security operations across different theatres of engagement.”

On the economy, the Presidency said reforms since 2023 have improved revenue generation, strengthened foreign reserves, and boosted investor confidence.

“These reforms have strengthened revenue performance, improved investor confidence, and placed the economy on a more stable growth trajectory.”

It noted that federal infrastructure projects are ongoing across regions to improve connectivity, trade, and national integration, alongside education financing reforms such as the student loan scheme.

“We are delivering infrastructure at a scale that supports national integration and long-term economic productivity.”

The statement also said power sector reforms, including the Electricity Act and metering rollout, are improving efficiency and reducing estimated billing.

“Leadership is about delivery building infrastructure, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that governance translates into measurable impact for citizens.”

The Presidency maintained that despite economic pressures, the administration remains focused on reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and sustaining long-term development.