Obi asks Tinubu to emulate UK’s Keir Starmer and resign

The 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.

Mr Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, saying he was inspired to reflect on political accountability after listening to a speech by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria’s current challenges mirror many of the issues Tinubu criticised under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general elections.

According to Mr Obi, the president had repeatedly demanded Jonathan’s resignation over insecurity and economic hardship during his tenure.

“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 wrote.

“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.”

Mr Obi also recalled several promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.

“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,” Mr Obi said.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that conditions in the country had deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office.

“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 stated.

Mr Obi argued that the President should take responsibility for the country’s current challenges by stepping down from office.

“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 said.

According to Mr Obi, Tinubu’s resignation would help foster a culture of accountability in public office and reinforce the principle that elected leaders should be held responsible for their performance while in office.