Presidency Rejects Obi's Demand for Tinubu's Resignation
The presidency has dismissed the call by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, for President Bola Tinubu to resign, describing it as "childish" and "an unwarranted distraction." Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, made the rebuke in a statement on Saturday, June 22, 2026.
Onanuga argued that Obi's comparison of Nigeria's political system to that of the United Kingdom was fundamentally flawed. He stated: "Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation is childish and an unwarranted distraction." He added that the NDC chieftain's analysis "is not only misplaced but also reflects a selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023."
Nigerians React to Presidency's Stance
The presidency's response has sparked reactions from Nigerians, with many criticizing the government's handling of security and economic issues. Femi Obaf noted the irony, referencing Tinubu's past demand for former President Goodluck Jonathan's resignation during a period of crisis. "Mr Bayo, are these horrible developments not enough for your principal to resign? We didn't experience one-third of this when he demanded that Jonathan resign many years ago. Was Nigeria practising a parliamentary system of government then?" he asked.
Excel supported Obi's call, stating: "A long story doesn’t excuse a failed government. If he can’t fulfil the responsibilities of Commander in Chief, then he should resign. We cannot continue watching our citizens be kidnapped and killed with impunity. That is not leadership; it is the definition of failure."
Átó Ásékù questioned Onanuga's focus, saying: "@aonanuga1956 is quick to respond to Peter Obi’s latest comments... but struggles to respond to the abducted Oyo school children and their teachers, who are still in captivity till now, with no hope of being rescued or released to be reunited with their families."
Franklin Nwachu highlighted the security crisis: "It’s great when we are told what has been done and if we could be told future plans. A campaign should always be about ideas, not personal attacks. However, no matter the economic progress, without security of lives and properties is hollow."
Ifechukwu Okoro called for constructive dialogue: "Strong opinions will always exist in politics, but national development requires constructive engagement, not just political point-scoring. Nigerians deserve honest conversations backed by facts and a commitment to solutions."
Wike Also Criticizes Obi
In a separate development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also knocked Peter Obi for lacking political courage. During an interview on June 1, 2026, Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, said leadership involves confronting and solving problems. He criticized Obi's political trajectory from APGA to PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and now the NDC.
Obi's call for Tinubu's resignation came amid growing insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria. The presidency, however, maintains that the government is working to address these challenges and that calls for resignation are premature and unhelpful.
