The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to either resign or abandon any plan to seek re-election in 2027, accusing the administration of failing to address worsening insecurity and what he described as a collapse in compassionate leadership.
Peter Obi has intensified his criticism of the Tinubu administration, urging the President to resign from office or refrain from seeking another term in the 2027 general election over what he described as persistent governance failures.
The former Anambra State governor made the remarks in a statement following his visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over the prolonged captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Obi argued that the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity demonstrates a failure of leadership and a lack of compassion for victims of violent attacks across the country.
He said the continued captivity of the abducted schoolchildren, more than 50 days after the incident, reflects what he described as the government’s inability to respond effectively to national emergencies.
According to Obi, a leader who cannot adequately protect citizens or provide effective governance should either step aside or decline to seek another mandate from Nigerians in 2027.
The latest comments followed Obi’s earlier claim that Governor Seyi Makinde informed him he had not received a phone call from President Tinubu since the school abduction occurred.
The remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify, with opposition figures increasingly scrutinising the administration’s handling of security and economic issues.
The Presidency rejected Obi’s call, describing it as “childish,” “hollow” and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency argued that Obi’s comments amounted to political grandstanding rather than constructive criticism, insisting that President Tinubu should be judged by voters during the 2027 election rather than being pressured to resign.
The exchange has further heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with both the Presidency and opposition figures continuing to trade sharp criticisms over governance, security and national leadership. As campaigns gradually gather momentum, such debates are expected to remain central to Nigeria’s political discourse.