Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity and failures in governance.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, where he reflected on the political culture of accountability in advanced democracies and contrasted it with Nigeria’s current situation.
According to him, he had listened to a speech by the British Prime Minister announcing plans to step down following growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unfulfilled campaign promises.
“This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July,” Obi said.
“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.”
The former Anambra State governor noted that the British leader’s decision was influenced by public frustration over a stagnant economy, rising cost-of-living pressures and a perceived failure to deliver on key electoral commitments.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Obi recalled that before the 2015 general elections, President Tinubu had repeatedly demanded the resignation of then-President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
“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 stated.
“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 further referenced promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, particularly on electricity supply, anti-corruption efforts and improving the welfare of citizens.
“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,” he said.
The Labour Party leader argued that the country’s current realities fall short of those pledges, claiming that insecurity, economic hardship and unreliable electricity supply have persisted or worsened since the administration took office.
“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,” Obi said.
“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.”
Obi said accountability should remain a cornerstone of democratic leadership, insisting that public office holders must be held responsible for their performance.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” he stated.
“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.”