Photo caption: Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the resignation of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that worsening economic conditions, insecurity and governance challenges warrant political accountability.
In a post shared on X, Obi said his position was inspired by developments in the United Kingdom, where he reflected on a Monday speech by the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announcing his planned resignation.
Photo caption: Tinubu
“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,” Obi wrote.
He continued: “The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.”
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s political history, Obi recalled events leading up to the 2015 general elections and the criticism directed at the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He wrote, “Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. 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 also revisited promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.
“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 stated.
According to Obi, the current realities stand in contrast to those assurances.
“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 wrote.
The former Anambra State governor concluded by urging the President to step down, insisting that such a move would strengthen democratic accountability and set a precedent for future leaders.
He declared, “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.”
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