ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has faulted the presidency’s response to the call for President Bola Tinubu to resign, saying leadership is defined by accountability rather than attacks on critics.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the media office of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate said the presidency’s reaction to Obi’s call for Tinubu to step down over “monumental failure” in governance was dismissive and missed the point of the opposition leader’s concerns.
POMR spokesman Ibrahim Umar said the presidency’s response, which included remarks by presidential aide Daniel Bwala describing Obi as a “transactional politician-in-chief,” reflected a pattern of deflecting legitimate criticism rather than engaging with substantive issues. “Leadership is about accountability, not hurling insults at those who point out failures,” Umar said.
The Obidient Movement, which POMR represents, has consistently advocated for accountable governance and an end to what it describes as transactional politics. In a recent statement, the movement said it remains committed to “ending the transactional politics that have held Nigeria captive.”
The media office noted that Obi’s call for Tinubu’s resignation was based on the president’s own challenge to Nigerians during the 2023 election campaign, when he reportedly told the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on his commitments. Obi referenced persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity, and deepening economic hardship as evidence that conditions had deteriorated.
POMR argued that the presidency’s decision to attack Obi rather than address the substance of his concerns undermines democratic discourse and public trust in leadership. “Leadership is not about responding to criticism with personal attacks or political smears. It is about accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people,” the statement said.
The media office also said the pattern of dismissing critics is part of a broader attempt to suppress opposition voices. In April, POMR raised concerns about an alleged “clandestine move” to suppress Obi’s freedom, pointing to incidents where he was reportedly prevented from speaking at public institutions.
The NDC, which recently welcomed Obi into its fold, has positioned itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders have described Obi’s influence as central to their mission of building a political institution that prioritises accountability and national development.
As the debate over governance and accountability continues, POMR has reaffirmed its commitment to holding the administration accountable through constructive engagement and issue-based criticism. The media office has also urged the presidency to focus on addressing the challenges facing Nigerians rather than attacking those who raise legitimate concerns.
