The Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) has criticised the presidency’s reaction to calls for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, arguing that true leadership is measured by accountability rather than attacks on critics.
The exchange followed comments by Peter Obi, who on Monday urged Bola Tinubu to step down over what he described as a “monumental failure” in governance.
Obi said his remarks were inspired by the resignation speech of Keir Starmer, in which the British leader acknowledged public dissatisfaction over economic difficulties and unfulfilled campaign promises.
Responding on behalf of the presidency, Bayo Onanuga dismissed Obi’s position as misguided. He argued that comparing the political systems of the United Kingdom and Nigeria was inappropriate and pointed to recent electoral victories by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as evidence of continued public support for Tinubu’s administration.
POMR: Presidency Avoided Core Issues
In a statement issued on Tuesday, POMR spokesperson Idris Zekeri said the presidency failed to address the substance of Obi’s comments and instead relied on distractions and personal attacks.
According to Zekeri, the government focused on what he called a “charade election” and debates about Nigeria’s system of government, rather than engaging with concerns about leadership responsibility and governance.
He stressed that Obi’s remarks were not partisan attacks but reflections on accountability in public office.
“Our principal’s call was for President Bola Tinubu to learn a lesson from the action of the British Prime Minister, who chose to resign after acknowledging that his government had failed to sufficiently improve the living conditions of its citizens,” the statement said.
Economic Hardship at Centre of Criticism
Zekeri argued that the past three years have been among the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s recent history, citing worsening poverty and rising debt levels without corresponding improvements in citizens’ welfare.
He claimed that businesses are closing, manufacturers are struggling with soaring production costs, and weak consumer demand has left warehouses stocked with unsold goods.
The POMR spokesperson urged the government to focus on pressing national challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, power shortages, declining productivity and public distrust in governance.
He added that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises listening to citizens and taking responsibility for outcomes rather than searching for excuses.
The latest exchange highlights the growing political debate over the performance of Tinubu’s administration as opposition figures continue to raise concerns about economic conditions and governance.
