Peter Obi at Editors' Forum
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as a “monumental failure in governance” and worsening conditions across key sectors of national life.
In a statement on Monday, Obi said he was prompted to reflect on leadership accountability after listening to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation amid public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unfulfilled campaign promises.
According to Obi, successful democracies are sustained by a culture of responsibility, where leaders accept the consequences of policy failures and declining public confidence.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s political history, Obi recalled that before the 2015 general elections, Tinubu had repeatedly called on then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic hardship. He noted that Tinubu was particularly vocal during the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, arguing at the time that the government had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting citizens.
Obi also referenced promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, strengthen security, fight corruption, and enhance the welfare of Nigerians. He noted that the President had challenged Nigerians not to support him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those pledges.
“Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many parts of the country, kidnappings continue unabated, and economic hardship has deepened,” Obi stated, adding that critical sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts have also witnessed significant setbacks.
The opposition leader argued that Nigeria is currently facing one of its most difficult periods and that accountability demands that leaders take responsibility for their performance in office.
“I join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi said.
He maintained that such a move would help establish a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, while discouraging impunity in public office. According to him, it would also send a strong message to future leaders that public office is a sacred trust and that failure in governance must carry consequences.
