Tinubu Resignation Call: Rufai Challenges Onanuga’s Attack on Obi

Tinubu Resignation Call: Rufai Challenges Onanuga’s Attack on Obi

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has pushed back against the Presidency’s criticism of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his call for President Bola Tinubu to resign.

The controversy began after Obi argued that Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and security challenges should prompt greater accountability from the country’s leadership.

He pointed to political developments in the United Kingdom, suggesting that leaders must be willing to take responsibility when citizens face mounting hardship.

Responding to Obi’s remarks, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the comparison as inappropriate, insisting that Nigeria’s presidential system differs from the UK’s parliamentary structure.

He also maintained that President Tinubu enjoys public support and was elected to serve a fixed four-year term.

However, speaking during a television programme on Tuesday, Rufai questioned the Presidency’s reaction, arguing that calls for a sitting president to resign are not unusual in democratic politics.

The veteran broadcaster recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC), while in opposition, repeatedly demanded the resignation of former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and governance concerns before winning power in 2015.

Rufai said it was inconsistent to condemn Obi for expressing a political opinion when similar demands had been made by members of the ruling party in the past.

He also referenced statements made during the build-up to the 2015 elections, noting that some APC figures had openly discussed the possibility of alternative political arrangements if the party did not emerge victorious at the polls.

According to him, democratic societies thrive on open debate, criticism and accountability, regardless of which political party is in power.

The exchange has added another layer to the growing political debate over the state of the nation, with supporters and critics of the administration sharply divided on whether Obi’s call was justified or merely political rhetoric.