Peter Obi calls for President Tinubu’s resignation over ‘monumental failure’ in governance

Nigerian opposition politician Peter Obi has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the current state of the country as the “worst possible condition” and citing deep regressions in the economy, security, electricity supply and other critical sectors.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X this morning, Mr Obi said he had been prompted to speak after listening to the British Prime Minister announce his planned resignation in July. The UK leader’s decision followed mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

Mr Obi drew direct comparisons with Nigeria’s own recent history. He noted that, before 2015, President Tinubu had on several occasions championed calls for then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he had demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

During the 2023 presidential election campaign, Mr Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged voters not to support him for a second term if he failed to deliver on commitments to provide stable power, fight corruption and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

However, Mr Obi said these conditions have since worsened. “Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” he wrote. Similar regressions, he added, are evident across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts.

“We are in the worst possible condition,” Mr Obi stated.

He therefore joined “Nigerians of goodwill” in calling for the President’s resignation over what he described as a “monumental failure in governance”. Such a step, he argued, would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity.

“It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences,” he said.

Mr Obi concluded: “Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible.”

The statement comes as public debate continues over the performance of the Tinubu administration on the economy, security and living standards. The Presidency has yet to respond to Mr Obi’s remarks.