Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign from office, arguing that the current administration has failed to address the country’s worsening economic and security challenges.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, drawing comparisons between Nigeria’s situation and the recent resignation announcement by Keir Starmer.
According to Obi, the factors that reportedly led to Starmer’s decision to leave office are similar to the difficulties Nigerians are currently experiencing.
Reflecting on the British Prime Minister’s announcement, Obi said he closely follows global political developments to understand how nations succeed or falter in governance.
“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,” he stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate noted that Starmer’s resignation followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, rising living costs, and unmet campaign promises.
Turning to Nigeria, Obi recalled that before becoming president, Tinubu had repeatedly demanded accountability from former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic difficulties.
“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 said.
He added that Tinubu had also called for Jonathan’s resignation following the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, arguing at the time that government had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting citizens.
Obi further referenced promises Tinubu made during the 2023 presidential campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, fight 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,” Obi noted.
According to him, the reality on the ground shows that conditions have deteriorated rather than improved.
“Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” he said.
Obi maintained that setbacks are also evident in sectors such as infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts, insisting that Nigeria is facing one of its most difficult periods.
He therefore urged the President to resign, arguing that such a move would demonstrate accountability in public office.
“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,” Obi declared.
He added that holding leaders accountable for poor performance would strengthen democratic governance and help build a better future for coming generations.
“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 concluded.
