Peter Obi Calls for Tinubu's Resignation Over 'Monumental Failure in Governance'; Presidency Dismisses Demand

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing a “monumental failure in governance” that has led to worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living conditions across the country. The call, made in a statement posted on Obi's X handle on Monday, drew a direct parallel to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation announcement, which Obi said underscored the importance of accountability in public office.

In his statement, Obi recalled that Tinubu himself had repeatedly demanded the resignation of former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and economic challenges before the 2015 election. He also referenced promises Tinubu made during the 2023 campaign, particularly on electricity supply, anti-corruption efforts, and improving citizens' welfare. Obi argued that conditions in Nigeria have deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office, with unreliable electricity, intensified insecurity including kidnappings, and deepening economic hardship. “We are in the worst possible condition,” Obi said.

The presidency swiftly dismissed Obi's demand as “childish,” “hollow,” and “anti-democratic.” Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga issued a statement criticizing Obi's comparison between Nigeria's presidential system and the UK's parliamentary system as fundamentally flawed. Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu was elected to a constitutionally guaranteed four-year tenure and that Obi should wait until the 2027 presidential election to test public opinion. Another presidential aide, Dada Olusegun, defended the administration's record, noting that Tinubu inherited an economy burdened by unsustainable subsidies, multiple exchange rates, declining oil output, and severe fiscal constraints.

Onanuga also rejected Obi's claim that Nigeria was in its worst condition, citing positive quarterly GDP growth, rising foreign reserves, increased oil production, and improved government revenues since Tinubu took office in May 2023. He accused Obi of misrepresenting the president's campaign promises, particularly regarding 24-hour electricity, and noted recent electoral victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti and other senatorial districts as evidence of continued public confidence. Meanwhile, House of Representatives member Philip Agbese also dismissed the calls for resignation, aligning with the presidency's position.