Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign from office, arguing that the current administration has failed to deliver on key promises made to Nigerians and has presided over worsening economic hardship, insecurity and declining living standards.
Obi made the call in a statement released on Monday, in which he reflected on the resignation announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and drew comparisons between political accountability in advanced democracies and Nigeria’s governance culture.
The former Anambra State governor said he listened to Starmer’s resignation speech with keen interest, describing it as an example of leaders taking responsibility when public confidence wanes and campaign promises remain unfulfilled.
“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.”
According to Obi, Starmer’s decision to step down followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, rising living costs and what many viewed as unmet electoral promises.
Turning his attention to Nigeria, Obi recalled that before becoming president, Tinubu had repeatedly criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic challenges, including the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.
“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.”
The former presidential candidate also referenced promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, particularly commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, strengthen security and enhance 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,” Obi said.
He argued that conditions across several sectors have deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office, insisting that Nigerians are facing increasing hardship despite expectations of improvement.
“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 said.
Obi further claimed that challenges affecting infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts have worsened, describing the country’s current situation as its lowest point in recent history.
“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 added.
Based on his assessment of the administration’s performance, Obi called on the President to step aside, arguing that doing so would promote accountability and strengthen democratic institutions.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi declared.
He added that such a move would help establish a culture of responsibility in public service and demonstrate that elected officials can be held accountable for their performance.
“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.”
The statement is expected to intensify political debate over the performance of the Tinubu administration as opposition figures continue to scrutinize the government’s handling of economic reforms, inflation, insecurity and public welfare.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from the Presidency to Obi’s call for the President’s resignation.
The remarks come amid increasing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition leaders and civil society groups continuing to evaluate the impact of the administration’s policies on the economy and the daily lives of Nigerians.
