The Presidency has challenged the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi to present clear policy alternatives after his interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, saying criticism of the Federal Government should be backed with practical plans.
The response, issued on Monday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo, focused on what he called the need for workable ideas on governance and national unity, making the exchange another chapter in the political contest over Nigeria’s future.
The reaction followed Obi’s television interview, where he touched on national unity.
Nwabufo replied through a post on X, insisting that governance should be judged by policies, programmes and results rather than political rhetoric.
His response also sought to defend the present administration’s record on inclusion, economic support and appointments.
Nwabufo said Obi’s interview failed to provide a practical roadmap for governing Nigeria if given the opportunity.
He wrote: “Peter Obi’s interview shows him again to be vacant of deep thought, understanding of governance, and taken up by syrupy rhetoric. He still has no plan, no alternative, and no policy plank, beyond a mouthful of sentimental nothings.”
He also rejected Obi’s remarks on national unity, saying the former Anambra State governor did not explain how he would unite the country beyond pointing to the ethnic backgrounds of people who worked with him.
Nwabufo maintained that national unity depends on inclusive governance, economic integration and fairness to every citizen, not on political slogans. He said governments strengthen unity when public resources reach people regardless of religion, ethnicity or social status.
He argued that these principles have guided President Tinubu’s administration through projects and programmes spread across the six geopolitical zones.
The presidential aide said the Tinubu administration has promoted inclusion through appointments and opportunities given to young professionals from different parts of the country.
He also pointed to changes in the composition of the nation’s service chiefs, saying the President balanced competence with patriotism while addressing issues that had previously attracted public criticism.
Nwabufo said President Tinubu’s public conduct and remarks have consistently reflected a commitment to bringing Nigerians together rather than promoting division.
He further defended the administration’s economic policies by pointing to programmes aimed at students and small business owners.
As examples, he mentioned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, known as NELFUND, and support provided through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.
Nwabufo said these initiatives show the practical impact of the Renewed Hope agenda on ordinary Nigerians.
He wrote that “that hardworking young trader in Amatutu village in Agulu, Anambra can now get support for his small business through SMEDAN, and that brilliant child in Mopa Muro can go to university through NELFUND without the constraints of finance.”
The presidential aide also said members of the Presidential Communication Team have travelled to different parts of the country to assess government projects and gather feedback from citizens.
He maintained that reports from those visits show progress in economic reforms and public programmes introduced by the administration.
The exchange follows months of political criticism between the Presidency and opposition figures over the direction of the country, the economy and the impact of government policies on citizens.
While Obi has continued to question the performance of the Tinubu administration and call for changes in governance, the Presidency insists that its policies are producing measurable results and improving lives through education support, business assistance and public investment.