Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, saying the worsening state of the economy, rising insecurity and what he described as poor governance demand accountability from the nation’s leader.
Obi made the call in a post on X on Monday, drawing inspiration from the political developments in the United Kingdom following the resignation announcement by British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
According to the former Anambra State Governor, Starmer’s decision reflects a political culture where leaders take responsibility when governments fail to meet public expectations.
“This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July,” Obi wrote.
“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.”
He noted that Starmer’s resignation followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, the cost-of-living crisis and concerns that key campaign promises had not been fulfilled.
Turning to Nigeria’s political history, Obi recalled how Tinubu, before becoming president, repeatedly criticised the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan and called for his resignation over insecurity and economic hardship.
“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,” Obi stated.
“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 also referenced commitments made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, particularly on electricity, anti-corruption measures and improving citizens’ welfare.
“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,” he said.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate argued that the reality under the current administration has moved in the opposite direction.
“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 wrote.
He concluded by urging Tinubu to step down, insisting that such a decision would strengthen democratic accountability and send a message that public office holders must be held responsible for their performance.
“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 added.
