The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign his position, citing what he described as widespread failures in governance, worsening economic conditions, and growing insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi said he was prompted to reflect on Nigeria’s leadership challenges after listening to the resignation speech of Keir Starmer, who announced plans to step down in July amid public dissatisfaction over economic and governance issues in the United Kingdom.
According to Obi, successful democracies are strengthened when leaders take responsibility for policy failures and respond to the concerns of citizens. He noted that Starmer’s decision to resign followed mounting criticism over economic stagnation, rising living costs and unmet campaign promises.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Obi recalled that before the 2015 general elections, Tinubu had repeatedly called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic hardship. He also referenced Tinubu’s criticism of Jonathan during the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, when he argued that the government had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Obi further stated that during the 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu promised to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption and enhance the welfare of Nigerians. He added that the President had publicly challenged voters not to support his re-election if he failed to deliver on those commitments.
The former Anambra State governor, however, argued that conditions in the country have deteriorated since then, citing persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity, increased incidents of kidnapping and deepening economic hardship. He also expressed concerns over developments in infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts, which he said have suffered setbacks.
Obi maintained that the current administration had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians and urged the President to step down in the interest of accountability and democratic responsibility.
“I therefore join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi said.
He added that such a move would help promote a culture of accountability in public office and reinforce the principle that elected leaders must be held responsible for their performance while in office. According to him, ending impunity in governance is essential to building a better future for the country and achieving the vision of a new Nigeria.
