Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as a “monumental failure” in governance.
Obi said his remarks were prompted by the resignation announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who decided to step down amid growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unmet expectations.
In a statement shared on X, Obi argued that the current realities in Nigeria reflect many of the issues Tinubu criticised under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general election.
According to Obi, Tinubu was among the most vocal critics of Jonathan’s government, frequently urging him to resign over insecurity and economic hardship, particularly following the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014.
“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.
He recalled that Tinubu had argued at the time that the government had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting citizens and safeguarding lives.
Obi also referenced several commitments Tinubu made during the 2023 presidential campaign, including promises to improve electricity supply, combat corruption, and enhance the living conditions of Nigerians.
According to him, the president had challenged voters not to support his re-election bid if he failed to fulfil those pledges.
The former Anambra State governor, however, maintained that the country’s challenges have deepened since Tinubu assumed office, pointing to persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity, rising incidents of kidnapping, and increasing economic hardship.
“At present, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” Obi said.
He argued that the president should take responsibility for the state of the nation by stepping down, describing such a move as a demonstration of accountability in public office.
Obi added that a resignation would help strengthen democratic values and promote a culture where elected leaders are held responsible for their performance and policy outcomes.
