The former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and governance challenges across the country.
Obi made the call in a post shared on his official X handle, where he drew comparisons between Nigeria’s current situation and political developments in other countries, particularly the United Kingdom.
He referenced a recent speech by the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who reportedly announced plans to resign in July, describing it as an example of political accountability in functioning democracies.
“This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July,” Obi wrote. “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 noted that the UK leader’s decision came amid public frustration over economic stagnation and cost-of-living pressures, adding that similar patterns were evident in Nigeria.
He recalled that prior to the 2015 general elections, political leaders in Nigeria, including then-opposition figures, had also demanded accountability from the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic hardship.
“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation,” he said. “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 also referenced promises made by President Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, particularly commitments on electricity supply, anti-corruption, and improved living conditions.
According to him, current realities fall short of those pledges.
“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,” he stated.
He further argued that governance across key sectors—including security, infrastructure, transportation, and the economy—has deteriorated, describing the situation as “the worst possible condition.”
Obi concluded by urging President Tinubu to step down, saying such a move would strengthen democratic accountability and set a precedent for future leaders.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” he said. “It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement.”
He added that Nigeria must end the “culture of impunity” to secure a better future for upcoming generations.