Lagos, Nigeria – 28 June 2025

In a subtle yet pointed statement, Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has appeared to call for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, citing the need for physically and mentally fit leadership in Nigeria. Obi’s remarks, posted on his official X account, came in response to the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who stepped down citing health challenges.

In his post, Obi commended Ganduje for prioritising his health, describing the decision as “wise and honourable.” He noted that Ganduje’s choice to step aside, recognising his inability to deliver optimal service due to declining health, set a powerful example for other leaders. “By this exemplary action, Dr. Ganduje has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally,” Obi wrote. “I sincerely hope they take a cue from him.”

While Obi did not mention President Tinubu by name, the context of his statement has sparked widespread speculation that it was directed at the 73-year-old leader, whose frequent overseas medical trips and prolonged absences have been a subject of public debate. Obi’s reference to “leadership defined by medical tourism, long holidays, or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments” was seen as a thinly veiled critique of Tinubu’s tenure, which has been marred by concerns over his health and capacity to govern effectively.

Obi emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges demand leaders with “competence, physical and mental fitness, and the agility to respond decisively and promptly to pressing issues.” He argued that the nation could no longer afford leadership hampered by health-related limitations, which he said were “taking a serious toll on our development.”