Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has issued a blunt call for President Bola Tinubu to resign, declaring that the President is "tired" and no longer possesses the capacity to address Nigeria's mounting economic and security challenges. In an exclusive interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics aired on July 26, 2026, Obi accused Tinubu of leading the country in the wrong direction and urged him to "retire in peace" to allow energetic and committed individuals to take charge. Obi's remarks represent one of the most direct challenges to the President's fitness for office ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking with anchor Seun Okinbaloye, Obi drew a sharp contrast between Tinubu's performance as Lagos State governor and his current leadership. "The Bola Tinubu that was governor is not the one that is president today. He's tired. He should be allowed to retire in peace, and then go home," Obi said. "As it is right now, Bola Tinubu is leading us nowhere. We will turn it so he can see it. That's why maybe I'm calling for his retirement. The man should just step aside. Yes, he doesn't have the capacity to do the job."
Obi painted a grim picture of the country's socio-economic conditions, citing recent projections from international organisations to underscore the urgency of the situation. He noted that the World Bank had estimated that 79 per cent of Nigerians could fall below the poverty line, which in a country of 230 million people translates to over 180 million citizens. He also referenced the World Food Programme's warning that 35 million Nigerians are facing hunger, while insecurity, particularly mass abductions, continues to escalate. "On Wednesday, 40 people were abducted in Zamfara, and the entire community, everybody is packing to run away. On Thursday, 50 were abducted. So we're in a crisis situation that requires another capacity," Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that the 2027 election should be a referendum on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians rather than political personalities. He lamented that public discourse had failed to focus on critical challenges such as out-of-school children, healthcare, and the mismanagement of public funds. "They should be talking about the issue of out-of-school children, talking about the issue of health, and all these monies that are missing here and there that would have been invested properly. Nobody is discussing it," Obi said. He insisted that the country's trajectory under Tinubu's administration was unsustainable and that fresh leadership was urgently needed.
Reacting to comments by United States President Donald Trump commending Tinubu's efforts against insecurity, Obi acknowledged the praise but maintained that the government's response had been insufficient. "Thank you to Donald Trump. Thank you to President Trump. But we need to do more, far more than what we are doing," Obi said. "I've heard people, and Donald Trump is now confirming it, say he has done his best. But with the crisis we are facing, his best is not enough. We need to do more."
Obi also argued that tackling insecurity required addressing its root causes, particularly poverty and inadequate investment in education. "You can't create mass poverty and think you can deal with insecurity. The more you put people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality. You need to invest in education, massive," he said. He pledged that if elected president, he would personally take responsibility for the country's security situation. "Whatever it takes to secure any Nigerian, I will do that. If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. You're the president. You're the number one person."
Obi's call for Tinubu's resignation was part of a wider critique of the administration's communication style. He accused the President of retreating into Aso Rock and relying on aides and spokesmen to explain government policies, rather than directly addressing Nigerians. "It's not even 'audio hope' because the man we voted for isn't even talking to us anymore. He's no longer talking to us; he's gone into Aso Rock and turned it into a bunker. We want him to come out of that bunker and speak to the people," Obi said. He also dismissed the administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda" as "renewed hopelessness," arguing that the government had failed to deliver on its promises.
The interview has drawn sharp reactions, with presidential aide Daniel Bwala taking a swipe at Obi and the Channels Television anchor following the broadcast. However, Obi remained undeterred, urging Nigerians and political leaders to focus on the issues that directly affect ordinary citizens as the 2027 elections approach. His remarks have set the stage for an intensifying political battle as opposition parties position themselves to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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