Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over what he described as a failure of leadership.
Obi said worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining living standards have left many Nigerians struggling under the current administration.
The former Anambra State governor made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Monday.
He said recent developments in the United Kingdom highlighted the importance of accountability in public office.
Obi referenced the resignation announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying it offered valuable lessons for democratic governance.
According to him, leaders must accept responsibility when they fail to meet public expectations and campaign promises.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, Obi recalled Tinubu’s criticisms of former President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 general election.
He noted that Tinubu had repeatedly demanded Jonathan’s resignation over insecurity and economic difficulties at the time.
“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.”
Obi said Tinubu had argued then that government had failed in its fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property.
The former governor also reminded Nigerians of promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.
According to him, the President pledged to improve electricity supply, fight corruption and enhance the welfare of citizens.
“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply,” Obi said.
“He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments.”
Obi argued that conditions across key sectors have deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office.
He said Nigerians continue to face unreliable electricity supply, growing insecurity and increasing economic hardship.
“At present, however, these conditions have worsened,” he stated.
“Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased.”
The opposition leader also claimed that sectors such as infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption have experienced setbacks.
He maintained that the country is facing one of its most difficult periods in recent history.
“We are in the worst possible condition,” Obi declared.
He insisted that accountability should begin from the highest level of government.
The former governor therefore urged President Tinubu to step aside over what he termed a monumental failure in governance.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” he said.
Obi argued that such a move would promote a culture of responsibility and accountability in public service.
He said it would also discourage impunity and reinforce the principle that leadership comes with consequences.
“It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement,” he stated.
“Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit.”
Obi further stressed that accountability remains essential for rebuilding public confidence in government institutions.
He added that responsible leadership is necessary for strengthening democracy and creating a better future for Nigerians.
The former governor concluded by expressing hope that greater accountability would help achieve the vision of a new and prosperous Nigeria.
