Peter Obi Calls for President Tinubu’s Resignation Amid National Crisis
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has intensified his demand for President Bola Tinubu to either step down or refrain from seeking re-election in 2027. He cites mismanagement, worsening security conditions, and a lack of compassion for victims of violence as key reasons for his call.
In a statement released by Zekeli Jr., spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Room, Obi emphasized that his concerns stem from a desire for a better future for Nigeria rather than any political ambition. He expressed disappointment over the Tinubu administration’s inability to enhance the welfare of citizens and highlighted ongoing allegations of corruption that continue to arise.
Drawing a parallel to the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls, Obi recalled how a then-opposition leader, Bola Tinubu, demanded the resignation of President Goodluck Jonathan after the latter’s slow response to the crisis. He argued that a similar lack of urgency is evident in Tinubu’s administration, noting the absence of any meaningful communication from the President to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over the past 50 days since the abduction of 39 children and seven teachers on May 15.
Obi insisted that the same standards that were applied to Jonathan should also be used to assess the current government. He remarked, “The consequences of indifferent leadership, as evident in our country today, can escalate public frustration into deep-seated resentment. The situation is exacerbated when leaders display clear incompetence and a lack of empathy.”
He emphasized that the people of Oyo State have every right to feel neglected, especially given the extended timeframe without substantial efforts to rescue the kidnapped individuals. “I have publicly raised this issue twice and appealed directly to the kidnappers for the safe return of the children. I have also reached out to the governor on two occasions to express my solidarity, knowing this is a national tragedy,” he stated.
Obi also leveraged his experience as the former governor of Anambra State to suggest proactive security measures during his discussions with Governor Makinde. He revealed that while past presidents personally communicated with state executives amid security crises, Governor Makinde reported no direct communication from President Tinubu, a disappointing revelation for Obi.
The former Anambra governor further decried Tinubu’s approach to the ongoing insecurity, arguing that it falls short of the standards he previously demanded of Jonathan during the Chibok incident. “Under Tinubu’s administration, we have witnessed at least 13 school kidnappings. Still, despite more than 50 days having passed, the President has been incredibly reluctant to contact the leader of the affected state, which is entirely unacceptable,” he said.
Obi asserted that the ongoing abductions reflect a severe decline in governance and leadership in Nigeria. “There is no more pressing matter than the safety of those abducted, including children and their educators, alongside countless other Nigerians,” he stated. “This situation underscores a grave lack of competence and compassion, compounded by blatant insensitivity. Given this obvious failure, the President should either resign or abstain from re-election. My call for action is rooted in patriotism, not politics, as a new Nigeria is within reach,” he concluded.
