Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to step down, citing what he described as a “monumental failure” in governance.
Obi said his thoughts on political accountability were influenced by the resignation speech of Keir Starmer, who announced plans to leave office amid public dissatisfaction over economic difficulties and unfulfilled campaign pledges.
The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria’s current challenges reflect many of the criticisms Tinubu directed at former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general election.
According to Obi, Tinubu had repeatedly urged Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic hardship, including following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.
“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 wrote on X.
“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 referred to commitments Tinubu made during the 2023 election campaign, including promises to improve electricity supply, combat corruption and enhance citizens’ welfare.
“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,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate maintained that conditions have worsened since Tinubu took office, pointing to continued power supply challenges, rising insecurity and increasing 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,” Obi said.
“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.”
Obi added that Tinubu’s resignation would encourage greater accountability in public office and reinforce the principle that elected leaders should be held responsible for their performance.