Peter Obi calls on Tinubu to follow Kier Starmer's example and resign over government failures

FORMER Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has asked President Bola Tinubu to emulate the example of British prime minister Keir Starmer and resign for failing to address the nation's socio-economic problems.

Earlier this morning, Mr Starmer announced that he would be standing down as prime minister and as the leader of the Labour Party in response to demands for change. Speaking outside Downing Street, Mr Starmer said the Labour Party will begin with the process of electing a new leader, who would take over when the summer recess end and Parliament resumes in September.

Announcing that he had already informed King Charles about this, Mr Starmer said he had accepted the request that a new leader heads the party into the next general election. Andy Burnham, 56, the mayor of Manchester, who has just been elected as the MP for Makerfield, is widely tipped to succeed Mr Starmer.

Reacting to the development, Mr Obi, who stood for Nigerian president in 2023 against President Tinubu, said Nigeria's leader should follow the example of Mr Starmer over what he described as a failure to address Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges. He added that Mr Starmer's actions reflected a culture of accountability in public office.

According to Mr Obi, the British leader’s decision to step down followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, the rising cost-of-living pressures and unmet campaign promises. Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Mr Obi recalled that before the 2015 general elections, President Tinubu had repeatedly called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity and economic difficulties, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

Mr Obi also noted that during the 2023 presidential campaign, President Tinubu pledged to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption and enhance the welfare of Nigerians, while reportedly urging voters not to support him for a second term if he failed to fulfil those promises. He argued that conditions in the country have deteriorated since President Tinubu assumed office, citing persistent power shortages, increasing insecurity, widespread kidnappings and growing economic hardship.

In addition, Mr Obi stressed that key sectors, including infrastructure, transportation and anti-corruption efforts, have witnessed setbacks since President Tinubu assumed office.  He added that Nigerians are facing severe socio-economic challenges.

Mr Obi said: I therefore join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the president over monumental failure in governance." He maintained that such a move would promote accountability in leadership and help build a political culture where public officials take responsibility for their actions and performance.

According to Mr Obi, holding leaders accountable for failures in office would strengthen democratic governance and contribute to building a better future for coming generations. Next year, Nigeria's presidential elections are expected to be contested by President Tinubu, Mr Obi and former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.