NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as failures in governance, worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living conditions across the country.
In a statement on Monday, Obi said he was inspired to reflect on leadership accountability after listening to a speech by the British Prime Minister announcing plans to resign amid public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and unfulfilled campaign promises.
According to Obi, successful nations often demonstrate a culture of accountability when leaders fail to meet public expectations.
“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 said.
The former Anambra State governor recalled that before 2015, Tinubu had repeatedly criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic challenges, including demanding his resignation following the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
“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 stated.
He also referenced promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, particularly on electricity supply, anti corruption efforts, 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,” Obi said.
The Labour Party leader argued that conditions in the country have deteriorated since then, citing persistent electricity shortages, rising insecurity, kidnappings, and worsening economic hardship.
“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 said.
Obi subsequently called on the President to step down, insisting that such a move would promote accountability in public office and strengthen democratic values.
“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 stated.
