Obi cites Starmer’s exit, asks Tinubu to resign over ‘governance failure’

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over the “monumental failure” in governance.

Obi said he was inspired to reflect on political accountability after listening to the resignation speech of Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, who announced plans to step down amid public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and un-met campaign promises.

The former governor of Anambra said Nigeria’s current situation mirrors the criticisms Tinubu levelled against former President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 elections.

According to Obi, Tinubu repeatedly called on Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic hardship, including during the aftermath of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

“Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then Presi dent Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians,” Obi said in a post on X.

“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 referenced promises Tinubu made during the 2023 election campaign, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, 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.

The NDC presidential candidate argued that conditions have deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office, with worsening insecurity, persistent power shortages, and rising 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,” Obi said.