Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning from office, arguing that worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unmet campaign promises have eroded public confidence in his administration.
Obi made the call on Monday while reacting to the planned resignation of the British Prime Minister, saying the development underscores the importance of political accountability and responsibility in democratic governance.
In a statement titled “Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility,” Obi said leaders should be prepared to accept responsibility when they fail to deliver on the promises upon which they were elected.
The former Anambra State governor noted that the British leader’s decision to step down followed mounting public dissatisfaction over economic challenges, rising living costs and perceived failure to fulfil key campaign commitments.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s situation, Obi recalled that before becoming President, Tinubu had consistently demanded accountability from past administrations and publicly called for the resignation of former President Goodluck Jonathan during periods of insecurity and national distress.
According to Obi, Tinubu also made far-reaching promises during the 2023 presidential campaign, particularly in the areas of electricity supply, security, anti-corruption and citizens’ welfare.
He argued that nearly three years into the administration, many Nigerians believe those promises remain largely unfulfilled.
“Electricity remains unstable, insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods, kidnappings persist across several parts of the country, while millions of Nigerians face worsening economic conditions,” Obi said.
He added that challenges in critical sectors such as infrastructure, transportation and governance have further heightened public concerns about the direction of the country.
Obi maintained that resignation in the face of persistent failure should not be viewed as weakness but as an act of statesmanship and accountability.
“I therefore join Nigerians of goodwill in calling on the President to resign over what I consider monumental failure in governance. Such a step would help deepen a culture of accountability and responsibility in public office and demonstrate that leadership must always answer to the people,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate said Nigeria can only make meaningful progress when leaders accept responsibility for their actions and are held accountable for their performance.
He stressed that strengthening accountability in governance remains essential to achieving the vision of a more prosperous and better-governed nation.