ABUJA, Nigeria — Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over what he described as a “monumental failure” in governance, citing the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as an example of political accountability that Nigerian leaders should emulate.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, hours after Starmer announced outside 10 Downing Street that he would be leaving office, bringing to an end a premiership of less than two years defined by policy reversals and growing political pressure. “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.
The former Anambra State governor drew a direct comparison between Starmer’s situation and Tinubu’s, arguing that both leaders came to power on the back of significant campaign promises they ultimately failed to keep. Starmer’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.
Turning to 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.
Obi 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. “We are in the worst possible condition.”
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.”
