The Presidency has dismissed calls by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as “childish,” “hollow,” and contrary to democratic principles.

Obi had urged Tinubu to step down after British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced his resignation amid growing public dissatisfaction over economic difficulties and unfulfilled campaign promises.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Obi said Starmer’s decision highlighted the need for political accountability and argued that Nigerian leaders should also take responsibility for governance failures.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, faulted Obi’s comparison, insisting that Nigeria’s presidential system differs fundamentally from the United Kingdom’s parliamentary model.

According to Onanuga, President Tinubu was elected for a constitutionally fixed four-year term and cannot be judged by the standards applicable to a British prime minister.

“Peter Obi’s latest comments calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, based on a comparison with the British Prime Minister’s voluntary exit, are not only misplaced but also reflect a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023,” he said.

The presidential aide argued that recent electoral victories by the ruling APC in Ekiti and several senatorial districts indicate that the administration continues to enjoy public support. He advised Obi to await the 2027 general election if he wished to test Nigerians’ verdict on Tinubu’s performance.

“Obi should wait until the presidential election to know what the people think of Tinubu’s government. Using social media to pressure the President to leave office is off the mark and anti-democratic,” Onanuga stated.

Defending the administration’s handling of insecurity, Onanuga said Tinubu inherited long-standing security challenges and has recorded progress through military operations and the rescue of kidnapped victims.

He also took a swipe at Obi’s record as former governor of Anambra State, claiming he lacked the moral authority to criticise the President over security concerns.

On the economy, Onanuga rejected Obi’s assertion that Nigeria is currently at its lowest point, citing positive GDP growth, rising foreign reserves, improved oil production and increased government revenue since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

He maintained that Tinubu introduced difficult but necessary reforms that previous administrations avoided.

“When he came on board in May 2023, President Tinubu introduced bold, courageous policies that his predecessors had shied away from,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency also challenged Obi’s criticism of the government’s performance in the power sector, insisting that Tinubu never promised uninterrupted electricity for all Nigerians.

According to Onanuga, critics have repeatedly misrepresented remarks made by Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, while ignoring ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply through the implementation of the Electricity Act, expansion of prepaid metering and investments in off-grid power projects.

Although acknowledging the rising cost of living, Onanuga attributed part of the economic pressure to global economic disruptions and tensions in the Middle East.

He concluded that Obi’s demand for Tinubu’s resignation was driven by politics rather than genuine concern for accountability.

“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 political grandstanding and an unworthy distraction,” Onanuga said.

He added that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing reforms, strengthening security, stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity.