Resignation: Obi draws parallels between UK PM’s exit and Nigeria’s governance failures; Presidency swiftly rejects comparison

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 elections, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he describes as a “monumental failure” in governance.

Obi issued the call on Monday, 22 June 2026, drawing inspiration from the resignation announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom he cited as an example of political accountability and leadership responsibility.

In a statement posted on his X account titled “Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility,” Obi said he had listened to Starmer’s resignation speech and reflected on the importance of democratic accountability.

“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 and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development,” Obi stated.

Obi drew a striking parallel between Nigeria’s current situation and the criticisms Tinubu himself levelled against former President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 elections. He noted that Tinubu had repeatedly called for Jonathan’s resignation over insecurity and economic hardship, particularly following the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in 2014.

“Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. 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 said.

The opposition leader then cited Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign promises regarding improved electricity supply, anti-corruption measures, and enhanced welfare for 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, particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians,” Obi stated.

Resignation call highlights deteriorating conditions

According to Obi, conditions have deteriorated significantly since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. He cited persistent power shortages, escalating insecurity including kidnappings, and deepening economic hardship as evidence of governance failure.

“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. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed,” Obi argued.

The NDC candidate described the overall situation as regressive, stating that critical sectors have witnessed setbacks and that “we are in the worst possible condition.”

Resignation plea emphasises accountability culture

Obi framed his call for resignation as essential to establishing a culture of accountability in Nigerian governance. He argued that such a gesture would demonstrate that public office is a sacred trust rather than an entitlement.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement,” Obi stated.

Presidency rejects comparison swiftly

The Presidency responded swiftly, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, rejecting Obi’s comparison as childish and based on misunderstanding of comparative systems of government. Onanuga argued that Nigeria’s presidential system differs fundamentally from Britain’s parliamentary system, where leaders can resign mid-term based on party pressure.

“Obi betrays a poor understanding of comparative systems of government by asking the President to follow the example of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In our presidential system, the President is elected to a fixed four-year term,” Onanuga stated.

The Presidency also highlighted recent electoral victories by the All Progressives Congress and disputed Obi’s characterisation of economic conditions, citing global recognition of Tinubu’s policies.