Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as a failure of leadership marked by worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and declining living standards across the country.
Obi made the call in a statement shared on his X account on Monday while reacting to the resignation announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which he said highlighted the importance of accountability in public office.
According to Obi, Starmer’s decision to step down in response to public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unmet campaign promises should serve as a lesson for democratic governments around the world.
The former Anambra State governor recalled that before assuming office, President Tinubu had repeatedly called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic difficulties affecting Nigerians.
“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 stated.
He also referenced several promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.
“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,” Obi said.
Obi argued that conditions in the country have deteriorated since Tinubu took office, with key sectors showing little or no improvement.
“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,” he added.
The former governor maintained that the situation demands accountability from the highest level of government and called on the President to step aside.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity.
“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,” Obi stated.
He stressed that embracing accountability and responsibility in leadership is crucial to strengthening democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in governance.
