By Ayomide Otitoju
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as a “monumental failure in governance” amid worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards across the country.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, drawing attention to the resignation announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which he said highlighted the importance of accountability in public office.
The former Anambra State governor said the British leader’s decision to step down in response to public dissatisfaction over economic conditions and unmet campaign promises offered valuable lessons for democracies seeking to strengthen governance and accountability.
Obi recalled that before assuming office in 2015, Tinubu had repeatedly called for the resignation of former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic challenges 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. 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 stated.
He also referenced promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, particularly on electricity supply, anti-corruption efforts, and improving citizens’ welfare.
According to Obi, the President had pledged to deliver stable electricity, combat corruption, and improve the living conditions of Nigerians, while challenging voters not to support him for a second term if he failed to fulfil those commitments.
The former governor argued that conditions had deteriorated since Tinubu took office, noting that critical sectors had recorded setbacks rather than progress.
“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. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed,” he said.
Obi maintained that the current situation required accountability at the highest level of government and urged the President to step aside.
“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,” he stated.
He added that such a move would reinforce the principle that public office is a trust that carries consequences for failure, while helping to foster a culture of responsibility among future leaders.
Obi further stressed that accountability and responsible leadership remain essential to strengthening institutions and restoring public confidence in governance.
