The Presidency has dismissed Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the remark as “childish,” “hollow,” and a distraction.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, issued the response after Obi urged Tinubu to step down over worsening economic hardship and governance challenges in the country.

He said Obi’s comparison between Nigeria’s presidential system and the United Kingdom’s parliamentary system was flawed and “simplistic,” insisting that both countries operate under entirely different governance structures.

Onanuga also rejected Obi’s position, saying it was misleading and did not reflect the realities of governance under Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering reforms aimed at improving the economy, strengthening security, and stabilising key sectors of national life.

He further urged opposition figures to channel criticism into constructive engagement rather than political attacks, adding that the administration will continue to pursue its reform agenda despite opposition commentary.

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, arguing that his administration has failed to fulfil key promises made to Nigerians.

Obi made the call while reacting to the announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that he would step down amid growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and the rising cost of living in the United Kingdom.

In a post on his X account titled, “Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility,” Obi said Tinubu should take a similar step and accept responsibility for what he described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity and declining living standards in Nigeria.

He wrote:

“This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. 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.

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“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—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible.”

Obi argued that leaders must take responsibility when they fail to meet public expectations, insisting that accountability remains essential to strengthening democratic governance and restoring public confidence in leadership.

Former Labour Party top politician, Peter Obi, has unveiled his plan to challenge the Electoral Act in court.

This is as he completes his registration as a member of the African Democratic Congress.

Obi, who completed his registration in his hometown of Agulu in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday, said he would challenge the newly passed Electoral Act 2026 in court over what he described as attempts to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

He alleged that provisions of the new electoral law were designed to facilitate electoral manipulation and undermine the credibility of future elections.

The former governor of Anambra State accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of overstepping its constitutional role by attempting to interfere in how political parties conduct their internal processes.

According to him, the electoral body should focus on conducting credible elections rather than dictating how parties select their candidates.

“I am going to challenge the decision in court; INEC has no reason to assume processes in how political parties elect their candidates. Its responsibility is to conduct elections.

“You don’t tell a team how to prepare its players before a match. As a referee, INEC’s role is to officiate, not to determine which players a team should field,” he said.

Obi said the provisions of the new law appeared designed to favour the ruling party in the next general election.

“All the laws being hurriedly created are simply aimed at enabling the ruling party to snatch the 2027 presidential election and run away with it,” he alleged.

He urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We have about 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra, and I urge everyone to go to the grassroots and mobilise people to register and be ready to vote,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also emphasised the need for political unity among opposition groups.

African Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has asserted the significance of  the South-East in Nigerian nationhood.

He said no other part is more Nigerian than it.

Obi spoke as he completed his registration in his hometown of Agulu in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday.

According to him, the South-East region is working collectively with other parts of the country to build a strong opposition ahead of the next elections.

“In this journey of 2027, we in the South-East are working as a family and discussing with other regions.

“The goal is to unite the opposition and create a new Nigeria. The South-East is part of Nigeria and no region is more Nigerian than the South-East,” he added.

Obi also criticised the current socio-economic conditions, describing the country as one of the poorest globally despite its vast resources.

He stated, “We cannot continue in an era where Nigeria has become one of the worst five countries in the world and the poverty capital of the world.

“We are committed to building a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.

The National Organising Secretary of the ADC, Chinedu Idigo, explained that the party’s membership registration exercise would be conducted both physically and online.

He urged prospective members to complete online registration before visiting designated centres to collect their membership cards.

Idigo added that the party would adopt the direct primary system in selecting its candidates for future elections.

He also disclosed that 50,000 membership cards had been sent to the state, with additional cards expected to arrive soon.

Also speaking at the event, the ADC candidate in the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election, John Nwosu, described Obi’s registration as a significant milestone for the party.

“This is a day of joy. The journey of Obi to the presidency begins today,” Nwosu said.

He urged party members to close ranks and avoid internal divisions ahead of future elections.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Nwosu said challenges such as vote buying, voter apathy and inadequate polling agents had undermined the party’s performance, adding that efforts were being made to address those issues.

Popular politician, Peter Obi, has said that the news of the death of  Nkanu Nnamdi, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, is profoundly devastating.

He noted that he had learnt that Nkanu was ill and had joined his parents in prayer for recovery.

In a statement on X on Thursday, Obi conveyed his condolences , saying:

“I have been following Nkanu’s illness since my beloved sister, Chimamanda, first informed me on January 2nd. During this difficult time, I felt a deep sense of empathy for her and her family,” Obi said.

He added, “I shared in their anxiety, prayed earnestly, and hoped for his recovery. Therefore, the news I received yesterday morning was profoundly heartbreaking.”

Earlier on Thursday,  Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the Nnamdi’s family, said the 21-month-old baby passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The family, in the statement, said it was devastated by the loss and appealed for privacy. “The family is devastated by the loss and requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Expressing personal grief, Obi said the loss was especially painful for the child’s parents. “I am personally devastated, thinking of the immense pain my dear sister must be experiencing as a mother, along with her husband, Dr Ivara,” he stated.

He concluded by offering prayers for the bereaved family, saying, “My heartfelt condolences go to them and the entire family during this moment of indescribable loss. May God grant them the strength, comfort, and grace to bear this sorrow, and may Nkanu’s saintly soul rest in perfect peace.”

Prof Jonah Onuoha says Mr Peter Obi’s defection to the African Democratic Party (ADC) may not change the political narrative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onuoha, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), spoke in Nsukka on Friday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He was reacting to Obi’s decision to dump the Labour Party and formally join the ADC on Dec. 31, 2025.

The political scientist said Obi’s 2023 electoral surge, especially in the South-East, where LP won several seats, was unlikely to be repeated in 2027.

According to him, the Obidient movement that drove the 2023 surprise victories has weakened and would be difficult to revive before the next elections.

“I don’t see Obi’s defection to ADC changing the narrative of electoral victories in the South-East or nationally in 2027.

“The Obidient spirit that produced the 2023 momentum has largely died and will be difficult to resurrect before the general elections,” he said.

Onuoha said some Nigerians were demoralised after their 2023 expectations were dashed, weakening the movement’s influence and enthusiasm.

He argued that the collapse of the Obidient movement partly explained Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party for the ADC.

Onuoha said the 2027 presidential contest would mainly be between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ADC, stressing that “the party with the stronger candidate will win.”

He, however, urged politicians to prioritise national unity and avoid actions or statements capable of overheating the polity.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi,  formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, in a move that promises the party an intriguing primary.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had earlier joined the ADC from the Peoples Democratic Party and both are known to be keenly interested in contesting the upcoming presidential election.

It is, however, not yet clear whether they have been able to muster some understanding behind the scene.

Obi joined the ADC alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.

They announced the decision on Wednesday during a political rally at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu where the leaders converged to announce their collective decision after months of consultations.

According to them, the move to the ADC was part of a broader effort to forge a united opposition platform capable of working with like-minded leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Speaking at the event, Obi described the decision to join the ADC as the beginning of a new political journey aimed at reclaiming Nigeria from what he termed the misrule of the APC.

“Today is an important day. As the last day of 2025, we are ending this year with hope that in 2026, we will begin a genuine journey to rescue our country for proper socio-economic development that is unifying and inclusive,” he said.

He decried what he described as the erosion of democratic values, accusing some beneficiaries of democracy of aiding its destruction through intimidation and suppression of opposition voices.

“We have watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to its destruction through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to continue. We will resist it,” Obi added.

Others who defected to the ADC include former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji.

They also included Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sam Egwu, as well as several serving and former members of the National Assembly.

Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Mrs Josephine Anenih, former Imo Governor, Achike Udenwa.

Others are leaders from other parts of the country, including former Senate President and national chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East, and other political heavyweights.

Reacting to the development, Sen. Ben Obi, former PDP chieftain, said the South East leaders met and decided that their political interest would be best served in ADC.

He called on all opposition political parties in the country to embrace the ADC as it was the only party that would salvage Nigeria.

Mr Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate has reacted to a report that he recently had a meeting with the US President Donald Trump.

According to him, the report and photograph that accompanied it are fake, and  orchestrated for a devious motive.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra, in a message posted on his X handle on Wednesday, said that his attention was drawn to some pictures circulating on social media, falsely portraying meetings he never had.

According to him, one of such images purports to show me with  Trump, alongside a fabricated claim that he praised me.

“Another seeks to depict me with M.C Oluomo in his office. Let me state categorically that both pictures are fake and doctored, and the accompanying stories are entirely false.

“I have not met Mr Trump recently, nor have I had any such meeting with MC Oluomo.

“These fabrications highlight the persistent dangers of fake news and disinformation in our society.

“They are not only misleading but deliberately designed to confuse, misguide, and distract the public.

He stressed that  Nigerians and the international community must remain vigilant, verify information before sharing, and resist the culture of propaganda that undermined truth and integrity.

“For the avoidance of doubt, if I had such meetings, I would have personally made them public on my X handle,” he added.

Obi revealed that his politics had never been about seeking praise or cheap publicity; it is about confronting the real problems of Nigeria and working toward solutions grounded in integrity, accountability, and transparency.

He explained that politics is strictly focused on addressing the challenges  of Nigerians, by tackling insecurity, rule of law, education, healthcare, and pulling millions out of poverty.