Starmer’s Resignation: Obi asks Tinubu to resign over ‘failure in governance’

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as failures in governance.

He cited the resignation announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as an example of political accountability.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, Obi said he had listened to Starmer’s speech announcing his planned resignation and reflected on the importance of leadership responsibility in democratic societies.

“As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development,” Obi said.

According to him, Starmer’s decision followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges, rising living costs and unmet campaign promises.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Obi recalled that before the 2015 general election, Tinubu had repeatedly called on then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic hardship.

“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.

The former Anambra State governor also referenced promises Tinubu made during the 2023 election 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,” Obi said.

He argued that conditions had deteriorated since then, citing persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

“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 claimed that other sectors, including infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts, had also witnessed setbacks.

 “We are in the worst possible condition,” he said.

The opposition figure subsequently called on the president to step down, saying such a move would promote accountability in public office.

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

According to him, resignation would help foster “a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility” and send a message that “public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement.”

He added that ending what he described as a culture of impunity was necessary to secure a better future for Nigerians and build “a New Nigeria that is possible.”