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“Childish and Hollow” – Presidency Fires Back at Obi Over Tinubu Resignation Demand
“Childish and Hollow” – Presidency Fires Back at Obi Over Tinubu Resignation Demand
- Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says Obi’s comparison with UK political system is “simplistic” and “misplaced,” points to recent APC electoral victories as proof of public support.
The Presidency has fired back at Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, over his call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, dismissing the demand as “childish,” “hollow,” and an unwarranted distraction from governance. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, June 22, 2026, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, faulted Obi’s comparison of Nigeria’s political system with that of the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced plans to leave office.
According to Onanuga, Obi’s argument ignored the differences between Nigeria’s presidential system and Britain’s parliamentary structure, stressing that President Tinubu was elected for a fixed four-year tenure. The statement further noted that Obi’s view was “simplistic” and reflected a “selective and distorted view of Nigeria’s realities since 2023.” Onanuga emphasised that Nigeria does not operate a parliamentary system like the UK but a presidential system, with the president elected to a fixed four-year term. “Moving to use X to harangue the President out of office is off the mark and anti-democratic,” the statement read.
The Presidency also pointed to the recent victories recorded by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in elections held in Ekiti State and parts of Nasarawa, Enugu, Ondo and Rivers states, saying the outcomes reflected continued public support for the President and his party. “The election results, some early referendum of sorts, show that President Tinubu and his party are popular with Nigerians,” Onanuga said. He argued that Obi should await the 2027 presidential election if he wished to test public opinion on Tinubu’s administration rather than using social media to pressure the President to leave office.
Responding to criticisms of the government’s handling of insecurity, the Presidency maintained that the security challenges confronting the country predated Tinubu’s administration and had deep roots. The statement highlighted what it described as gains recorded under the current administration, including the rescue of kidnap victims, intensified military operations and the elimination of terrorist leaders in different parts of the country. “Over 15,000 terrorists have been taken off the streets and forests, and security operations have intensified nationwide. President Tinubu has not only sustained but also expanded investments in security by deploying advanced technologies and drones,” Onanuga stated. The Presidency further criticised Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, questioning his credentials to comment on security matters. “It is laughable that Obi, who, as governor, was a colossal failure, unable to secure lives and property in his small state of Anambra, as documented by his successor, Willie Obiano, is now the one calling for President Tinubu’s resignation over security breaches in some parts of the country,” the statement read.
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On the economic front, Onanuga rejected Obi’s claim that Nigeria was in its worst condition, insisting that economic indicators showed improvements since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. The statement said the administration’s reforms had produced consistent economic growth, increased foreign reserves, higher oil production and improved government revenue. Key figures cited included GDP growth recorded every quarter, foreign reserves hitting over $50 billion, oil production rising from less than one million barrels per day to about 1.8 million, and federation revenue projected to hit over N30 trillion this year, far above the 2022 level of N7.7 trillion. “By May this year, N15.7 trillion has already been collected, more than twice the entire revenue collected in 2022,” the statement added. It also cited gains in the stock market, with the All-Share Index rising from 50,000 to over 250,000, creating wealth for about 6 million Nigerian investors.
On infrastructure, the Presidency credited Tinubu with advancing major road projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, describing them as “roads dreamt of for decades.” It further highlighted the government’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative and the student loan scheme, which provides interest-free loans to tertiary institution students. The statement also argued that the absence of prolonged strikes by university unions such as ASUU and NASU under the current administration demonstrated progress in the education sector. “That is one of President Tinubu’s campaign promises to our students: a four-year programme will be a four-year programme. It has been a promise well kept,” Onanuga said.
Addressing criticism over electricity supply, the Presidency accused Obi of misrepresenting comments Tinubu made during the 2023 election campaign. It quoted the President’s campaign remarks: “Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep the promise and I come for a second term, don’t vote for me—unless I give you adequate reasons why I couldn’t deliver.” The statement added that Tinubu’s administration moved quickly to reform the power sector by signing the Electricity Act, which grants states greater authority over electricity generation, transmission and distribution. It added that millions of prepaid meters had already been deployed, with plans for millions more, while investments in off-grid solar power projects continued across schools, hospitals and markets.
Although it acknowledged the high cost of living, the Presidency argued that rising prices were not unique to Nigeria and had been influenced by global developments, including tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to international supply chains. “Just recently, as inflation was receding in Nigeria, a disruption to the global economy occurred when America and Israel attacked Iran, and Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, creating disruption in the global supply system and high prices of many commodities, including crude oil,” the statement said.
The statement maintained that Obi’s call for Tinubu’s resignation was politically motivated and lacked substance. It said the President remained focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development and security improvements rather than political rhetoric. “Leadership is about determination to confront the challenges facing our country and the economy. President Tinubu focuses on solutions, not rhetoric—investing in reforms, stabilising the economy, improving security, and laying the groundwork for a more prosperous Nigeria,” Onanuga stated. The Presidency also insisted that Nigeria was making steady progress under Tinubu’s leadership and accused Obi of presenting a distorted picture of conditions in the country. “With his puerile tweet on X, we are now convinced that Peter Obi lives in his self-constructed echo chambers, where he reels off lie after lie to himself and believes his self-created reality about the situation in Nigeria. We sympathise with him. That reality he fantasises about is mostly a figment of his imagination,” the statement concluded.
Obi had earlier called on President Tinubu to resign, citing Starmer’s decision to step down as an example of political accountability that Nigerian leaders should emulate. In a statement shared on X, the former Anambra governor argued that both leaders came to power on major campaign promises that had not been fulfilled. He said Starmer’s decision followed public dissatisfaction over economic challenges, rising living costs and unmet promises. Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Obi recalled Tinubu’s criticisms of former President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 election, particularly following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls. According to Obi, Tinubu had then argued that a government that could not protect lives had failed in its primary responsibility. He said the current administration had also fallen short in critical areas, including electricity supply, security, infrastructure and anti-corruption efforts.
“Childish and Hollow” – Presidency Fires Back at Obi Over Tinubu Resignation Demand
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Power Outage: Tegbe Gives Nigerians 72-Hour Timeline as FG Moves to Restore Electricity
Power Outage: Tegbe Gives Nigerians 72-Hour Timeline as FG Moves to Restore Electricity
ABUJA – Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that electricity supply will begin to improve within the next 48 to 72 hours as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the challenges responsible for the recent power outages across parts of the country.
Tegbe gave the assurance in an update on the country’s power situation amid growing complaints from electricity consumers over prolonged blackouts, particularly in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister attributed the worsening electricity supply to a combination of planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station, inadequate gas supply to some thermal power plants and sabotage of critical transmission lines.
According to him, the challenges have reduced the volume of electricity available on the national grid, forcing grid operators to implement load shedding in some areas to manage the shortfall.
He explained that maintenance activities at Egbin Power Station, one of Nigeria’s major electricity-generating facilities, had contributed significantly to the reduction in power generation.
The minister also identified gas supply constraints affecting some thermal power stations as another factor responsible for the decline in electricity generation.
Tegbe further alleged that sabotage of key transmission lines had restricted the use of alternative routes for supplying electricity to some locations, particularly Lagos.
He said the Federal Government was working with relevant operators to address the challenges and restore the affected generating units in phases.
“My team and I are working to return the affected generating units to service in phases, with the first units coming back online within the next 48 to 72 hours.
“We are also working with operators to improve gas supply and accelerate repairs to the damaged infrastructure,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the hardship caused by the outages, noting that the disruptions had placed considerable pressure on households and businesses in the affected states.
He apologised to electricity consumers experiencing the interruptions and thanked them for their patience, promising to provide further updates as efforts to restore supply progress.
The latest assurance follows growing public complaints over worsening electricity supply, with residents and businesses in several locations struggling to cope with prolonged outages.
The power crisis has also triggered disagreements between the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ikeja Electric over the causes of recent supply interruptions.
While Ikeja Electric had cited grid instability in explaining its inability to meet electricity supply obligations to some Band A customers, TCN disputed the explanation, attributing the decline largely to inadequate gas supply and reduced electricity generation.
Tegbe had earlier directed TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to address operational challenges contributing to the decline in power supply.
Nigerians will now be watching closely to see whether the promised improvement materialises within the 48-to-72-hour timeframe.
Power Outage: Tegbe Gives Nigerians 72-Hour Timeline as FG Moves to Restore Electricity
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NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians Over Secret Meth Lab in Oyo Forest
NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians Over Secret Meth Lab in Oyo Forest
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned two Mexican nationals and four Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over their alleged involvement in the establishment and operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in the state.
The six defendants were arraigned before Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the establishment of an illegal drug laboratory and the unlawful transportation and distribution of chemicals intended for the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive psychotropic substance.
The defendants were identified as 56-year-old Mexican national Jose Villa Ochoa; another Mexican, 40-year-old Carrera Loaiza Arturo; and four Nigerians, Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43.
According to the NDLEA, Ochoa and the four Nigerian defendants were arrested on June 17, 2026, in a forested area of Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where operatives uncovered the clandestine laboratory.
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The second Mexican suspect, Arturo, was subsequently tracked down and arrested on August 19, 2026, while allegedly attempting to flee Nigeria through the Lagos airport.
The agency disclosed that the defendants were accused of conspiring to operate a drug trafficking organisation and establishing a secret laboratory for the production of methamphetamine between December 2025 and June 2026 at different locations in Lagos and Oyo states.
They were also accused of unlawfully transporting and distributing chemical substances for the manufacture of the prohibited drug, contrary to Section 20(1)(f) and punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act.
When the charges were read to them in a language they understood, all six defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, Justice Maha ordered that they be remanded at the Correctional Centre in Ibadan pending the commencement of their trial.
The court subsequently fixed January 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2027, for the trial.
In a related development, the NDLEA disclosed that three other Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators arrested over the alleged operation of a similar clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a forest hideout in Ogun State on May 16, 2026, had also been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The court reportedly rejected their bail application and ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
The latest development underscores the NDLEA‘s ongoing efforts to dismantle suspected international drug trafficking networks and prevent Nigeria from becoming a hub for the illicit manufacture of dangerous narcotic substances.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, announced the arraignment in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026.
NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians Over Secret Meth Lab in Oyo Forest
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Tinubu’s Visit: One Feared Dead, Several Injured as APC Women’s Bus Collides With Security Vehicle in Uyo
Tinubu’s Visit: One Feared Dead, Several Injured as APC Women’s Bus Collides With Security Vehicle in Uyo
UYO, Akwa Ibom State – A tragic road accident involving a bus conveying supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly claimed one life and left several others injured in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The accident occurred on Friday, November 6, when the bus, reportedly conveying APC women to participate in activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state, collided with a security vehicle along Oron Road.
The incident happened amid heightened security arrangements for the President’s visit to Akwa Ibom, where he was scheduled to commission several projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration and attend political activities.
According to reports, the bus, identified as belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation (AKTC), was conveying the women towards the reception venue when it collided with a Toyota Hilux security vehicle.
The impact reportedly left the bus badly damaged, triggering panic as passers-by, motorists and security personnel rushed to assist the victims.
A video circulating on social media showed the wreckage of the bus at the accident scene, with people gathering around the damaged vehicle as rescue efforts continued.
The injured victims were reportedly evacuated and taken to hospitals in Uyo for medical attention.
The Guardian reported that one person had died in the accident, while several others sustained injuries. However, another local media report said no death had been confirmed as of the time of its publication.
The exact casualty figure and the identities of the victims had yet to be officially established.
The accident has raised concerns about the safety of transportation arrangements for political supporters mobilised to participate in high-profile presidential events.
President Tinubu arrived in Akwa Ibom on Friday as part of a two-state visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. His itinerary included the inauguration of major infrastructure projects and engagement with political stakeholders.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision and the condition of the injured victims were still emerging.
Tinubu’s Visit: One Feared Dead, Several Injured as APC Women’s Bus Collides With Security Vehicle in Uyo
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