The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as failures in governance, citing the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as an example of political accountability.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, following Starmer’s announcement that he would step down as leader of the Labour Party.
Earlier on Monday, Starmer announced his resignation amid mounting political pressure following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election.
“I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision,” Starmer said in a televised address outside Downing Street.
He added that the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee would establish a timetable for the leadership contest, with nominations expected to open on July 9 and conclude before the summer recess.
Reacting to the development, Obi said Starmer’s decision underscored the importance of leadership responsibility in democratic societies.
“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 stated.
According to Obi, Starmer’s resignation followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic difficulties, rising living costs and unfulfilled campaign promises.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria, the former Anambra State governor recalled that before the 2015 general election, Tinubu had repeatedly called on then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic challenges.
Obi referenced Tinubu’s criticism of Jonathan during the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, noting that the current president had argued at the time that the government had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
He also highlighted several promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, combat 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.
The opposition leader argued that conditions in the country had deteriorated since then, pointing to persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity and increasing 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.
Obi further alleged setbacks in key sectors such as infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts, describing Nigeria’s current situation as dire.
“We are in the worst possible condition,” he said.
He subsequently called on Tinubu to step down, arguing that such a move would strengthen accountability in public office and help foster a culture of responsibility in governance.
“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 promote “a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility” and reinforce the principle that “public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement.”
Obi added that ending what he described as a culture of impunity was necessary to secure a better future for Nigerians and achieve the vision of “a New Nigeria.”
