Obi Urges Tinubu to Resign Over Economic Hardship, Unmet Campaign Promises

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning from office, citing worsening economic conditions, insecurity and what he described as the administration’s failure to fulfill key campaign promises.

Obi made the call on Monday in a statement posted on his X handle while reacting to the resignation announcement of the British Prime Minister, whom he praised for taking responsibility amid growing public dissatisfaction over governance and economic challenges.

In a post titled “Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility,” Obi said the development in the United Kingdom offered lessons in accountability and democratic leadership.

According to him, the British Prime Minister’s decision to step down was linked to mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, rising cost of living and the perceived failure to deliver on electoral promises.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Obi recalled that before assuming office, President Tinubu had repeatedly criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration over insecurity and economic hardship, at one point calling for Jonathan’s resignation following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.

The former Anambra State governor noted that Tinubu had also made several commitments during the 2023 presidential campaign, including improving electricity supply, tackling corruption, enhancing security and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“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,” Obi stated.

He argued that conditions across critical sectors had deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office, pointing to persistent power shortages, increasing incidents of kidnapping and violent crime, inflation, rising cost of living and economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

“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 alleged that governance outcomes in sectors such as infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption had fallen short of public expectations.

The NDC presidential candidate said accountability remains a cornerstone of effective leadership and urged the President to consider stepping aside if he could no longer meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“I therefore join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi said.

According to him, such a move would help foster a political culture rooted in responsibility and accountability while demonstrating that public office is a trust that carries consequences for failure.

Obi added that ending what he described as a culture of impunity would contribute to building a better future for the country and future generations.

The Presidency had not issued an official response to Obi’s remarks as of the time of filing this report.

President Tinubu’s administration has consistently defended its policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, maintaining that the measures are necessary to stabilize the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

Obi’s comments are expected to intensify political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinizing the administration’s performance on the economy, security and governance.