Peter Obi Urges Tinubu To Resign, Presidency Rejects Call

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign from office, citing what he described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity and governance failures under the current administration.

Obi made the call while reacting to the resignation announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stepped down as leader of the Labour Party following mounting political pressure in the United Kingdom.

In a statement titled “Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility,” Obi urged President Tinubu to emulate Starmer’s example by taking responsibility for what he described as unmet campaign promises and deteriorating living conditions in Nigeria.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate recalled that before 2015, Tinubu had called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic challenges facing the country.

Obi argued that despite promises made during the 2023 election campaign, challenges relating to electricity supply, insecurity, economic hardship and other critical sectors have continued to persist.

Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility

This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 22, 2026

He maintained that the resignation of the President would promote accountability in public office and help strengthen democratic governance in the country.

However, the Presidency dismissed Obi’s comments, describing the call for Tinubu’s resignation as undemocratic, misplaced and politically motivated.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Nigeria operates a presidential system of government and not a parliamentary system like the United Kingdom, stressing that the President was elected for a fixed term through a constitutional process.

According to the Presidency, recent election victories recorded by the ruling All Progressives Congress in off-cycle elections demonstrate continued public support for the administration.

The Presidency also defended the government’s performance, highlighting progress in security operations, economic reforms, infrastructure development, revenue generation and investments.

Onanuga said the administration inherited significant economic and security challenges but has implemented reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving national development.

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT

Obi’s call for President Tinubu’s resignation childish and an unwarranted distraction

Peter Obi’s latest comments calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, based on a comparison with the British prime minister's voluntary exit, are not only misplaced… pic.twitter.com/Et5mUadSRb

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) June 22, 2026

He further argued that the government has recorded achievements in areas including oil production, revenue generation, infrastructure expansion, student loans, electricity reforms and investment inflows.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains committed to addressing the country’s challenges and delivering on his mandate, insisting that Nigeria is on a path of progress despite existing difficulties.

The exchange between Obi and the Presidency comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.