Obi urges Tinubu to resign, cites Starmer’s exit as model of political accountability

Headline:

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as the administration’s “monumental failure” in governance.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Obi said he was prompted to reflect on political accountability after listening to the resignation speech of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced plans to step down amid public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unmet campaign promises.

The former Anambra State governor argued that the standards Tinubu applied to former President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 general election should now be applied to his own administration.

“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.”

Obi also recalled promises Tinubu made during the 2023 presidential campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, strengthen security, and improve 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,” he said.

According to Obi, the country's security and economic conditions have 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 said.

“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.”

Obi maintained that Tinubu’s resignation would signal a commitment to democratic accountability and reinforce the principle that elected leaders should accept responsibility for their performance in office.