Peter Obi Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, has called for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, saying Nigeria is in the “worst possible condition” as he drew comparisons with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s planned resignation over governance failures.

In a statement on Monday, Obi said he listened to Starmer’s resignation speech and reflected on the importance of leadership responsibility in democratic societies.

“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,” Obi wrote on X.

“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.

The former Anambra State governor noted that Tinubu had previously called for President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation over economic hardship and insecurity during the 2014 Chibok school kidnapping.

“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,” Obi said.

Obi argued that conditions across critical sectors have deteriorated since Tinubu took office.

“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.”

Obi said he joined “Nigerians of goodwill” in calling for Tinubu’s resignation “over monumental failure in governance,” saying such a move would help enthrone “a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity.”

He added that “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.”