Presidency, Peter Obi Clash Over Demand for Tinubu’s Resignation After Starmer Exit Announcement

The Presidency and presidential hopeful Peter Obi were yesterday embroiled in a heated disagreement after Obi urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emulate British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and resign.

Obi said Tinubu had failed to deliver on critical promises made during the 2023 election campaign, while the Presidency described the call as misguided and politically motivated.

‘Leadership requires accountability’ — Obi

Commenting on Starmer’s planned resignation, Obi said leaders should be prepared to accept responsibility when campaign commitments are not fulfilled.

In a statement posted on X, he noted that Starmer’s departure followed public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation and rising living costs.

“As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development,” Obi wrote.

He said Tinubu had previously criticised governments over insecurity and economic hardship and should be held to the same standards.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments,” Obi said.

He argued that insecurity, power shortages and economic difficulties had worsened since Tinubu assumed office.

‘Anti-democratic and simplistic’ — Presidency

The Presidency swiftly rejected Obi’s position, insisting that comparisons between Britain’s parliamentary system and Nigeria’s presidential system were misplaced.

In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Obi’s comments were described as a distraction following recent electoral victories recorded by the APC.

“His view is also simplistic, as is often the case anytime he opens his mouth,” the statement said.

“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.”

The Presidency further argued that recent election outcomes in states including Ekiti, Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers demonstrated public confidence in the Tinubu administration.

“Obi should wait until the presidential election to know what the people think of Tinubu’s government,” the statement added.

Tinubu inherited major challenges, Presidency says

Highlighting achievements of the administration, the Presidency said Tinubu inherited severe economic and security challenges and has since pursued reforms to address them.

It cited ongoing military operations, the deployment of technology-driven security measures and the elimination of terrorist leaders across various regions.

“These actions demonstrate commitment, not failure,” the statement said.

The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the reforms introduced since 2023 have produced consistent economic growth.

“President Tinubu introduced bold, courageous policies that his predecessors had shied away from. Since then, the Nigerian economy has posted positive GDP growth every quarter,” it stated.

The exchange marks the latest political confrontation between the opposition figure and the Presidency as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.

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