Ex-presidential aspirant Nwankwo faults presidency’s response to Obi’s resignation call

A former presidential aspirant and ex-Senate candidate, Godswill Nwankwo, has criticised the Presidency’s response to Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign.

Nwankwo, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Obidient Ninjas and a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made his position known in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated June 23, 2026.

The letter followed comments by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described Obi’s call for the President’s resignation as “childish,” “hollow,” and a distraction from governance.

In the letter, Nwankwo argued that the Presidency’s response focused largely on defending the administration’s record while not directly addressing concerns raised by critics regarding the state of the economy and security.

References Past Political Debate

Nwankwo recalled that President Tinubu, as an opposition figure in 2014, publicly criticised the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan over security challenges facing the country at the time.

He argued that political leaders and citizens alike should be free to express opinions on the performance of elected officials within the bounds of democratic discourse.

Nwankwo also referenced comments reportedly made by presidential aide Daniel Bwala concerning political criticism and accountability in democratic governance.

Raises Concerns Over Economy and Governance

The former Senate candidate questioned the use of electoral victories as a measure of public satisfaction with government performance, noting that governance outcomes are often subject to public debate and differing interpretations.

He also expressed concerns about economic conditions, including inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and investment trends, arguing that these issues remain important areas of public interest and discussion.

In addition, Nwankwo called for continued public scrutiny of government policies and economic reforms, saying citizens have a right to evaluate their impact on daily life.

Comments on Public Projects and Policies

The former presidential aspirant also raised questions about major government projects and programmes, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He urged transparency and accountability in the implementation of public projects and social intervention programmes, stressing the need for public confidence in government initiatives.

Calls for Accountability

On security, Nwankwo emphasised the constitutional responsibility of government to safeguard lives and property, while acknowledging that security remains a major concern for many Nigerians.

He maintained that public criticism and demands for accountability are legitimate features of a democratic society and encouraged the government to engage constructively with differing viewpoints.

According to him, citizens should be able to express concerns about governance and public policy without such views being dismissed, adding that democratic institutions are strengthened through open debate and accountability.

Nwankwo concluded by urging the administration to continue addressing issues affecting citizens and to remain responsive to public concerns on governance, security and the economy.

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