Tinubu Must Resign or Drop 2027 Re-election Bid Over Insecurity, Says Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections and a prominent opposition voice for the 2027 polls, has issued a direct challenge to President Bola Tinubu. Obi urged the President to either step down from office or abandon any aspirations for a second term, citing his administration's perceived failure to curb Nigeria's escalating insecurity and a notable 'lack of compassion' towards victims.

Obi's strong statement, released on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), followed his visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde concerning the prolonged abduction of schoolchildren, who have now been held captive for over 50 days. The former Anambra State governor described the Federal Government's handling of this kidnapping and other security challenges as a clear sign of 'collapsed governance,' emphasizing that Nigerians increasingly feel abandoned.

He highlighted that the repercussions of poor leadership are becoming increasingly apparent across the nation. Expressing solidarity with the Oyo State government and its citizens, Obi noted their justified disappointment over the children's continued captivity.

Obi stated, “The ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership, as evident in the country today, is turning citizens’ frustration into deep, volatile resentment. It is even more traumatising when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion. The government and people of Oyo State, more than 50 days after the abduction of the schoolchildren without any tangible effort toward their rescue, should rightly feel bitter and abandoned.”

He further disclosed that he had repeatedly addressed the incident publicly and contacted Governor Makinde to offer support. Obi also mentioned his trip to Ibadan on July 3, accompanied by political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, to demonstrate solidarity with the state government and the victims' families.

“Since this unfortunate incident, I have spoken publicly about it twice, including appealing directly to the kidnappers to release the children. I also called the Governor twice to assure him of my solidarity, understanding that this issue is not just an Oyo problem but a Nigerian tragedy. On Friday, July 3, I decided to travel to Ibadan with Prof. Pat Utomi to express solidarity with the Governor, as more than 50 days had elapsed without the rescue of the children and with numerous others still being held captive across the country,” Obi explained.

During his meeting with Governor Makinde, Obi shared his experiences in tackling security issues during his tenure as Anambra State governor, recalling how past presidents like Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan consistently reached out to state governors during major security crises. He expressed his astonishment upon learning that President Tinubu had reportedly not contacted Governor Makinde regarding the abduction.

“During our two-hour meeting, I shared my experience in addressing insecurity as Governor of Anambra State. I recalled how President Olusegun Obasanjo, and later Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan would personally call us several times whenever we faced major security challenges. But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” he revealed.

Obi also drew a parallel with the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls under President Goodluck Jonathan, an event that garnered widespread condemnation, including from then-critic Bola Tinubu. He reminded the public that Tinubu was among those who vehemently called for Jonathan's resignation at the time.

“I remember the only case of a school kidnapping during President Goodluck Jonathan’s era – the Chibok girls. It drew local and international attention. Even though the security agencies provided almost daily updates on their efforts, Nigerians and the rest of the world were outraged that it took President Jonathan over two weeks to call the then State chief Executive. I vividly recall that the current President, Bola Tinubu, led a team of vocal critics who called for President Jonathan’s immediate resignation over the incident, citing his delay in calling the state governor. That call for IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION should actually be the case in this matter,” Obi asserted.

The Labour Party leader further contended that numerous school kidnappings have occurred under the current administration without what he considers adequate presidential engagement. He maintained that the ongoing abductions of schoolchildren and other citizens highlight a profound 'failure of governance.'

“Today, under President Tinubu, there have been more than 13 school kidnappings, yet the President has found it difficult to call the affected state’s chief executive after more than 50 days (over 7 weeks). This is outrageous. I suspect the same may also have been the case in other school kidnapping incidents. I cannot imagine any issue more important than the lives of our kidnapped children, their teachers, and the many other Nigerians being held captive across the country. It is now an indisputable fact that governance has completely collapsed under this administration,” he emphasized.

Obi concluded by accusing the administration of lacking both the competence and empathy required to tackle the nation's challenges, urging President Tinubu to step aside for the national good. “The situation reflects a total lack of capacity and compassion, compounded by glaring insensitivity. Amid such an apparent display of incompetence, the President should either resign or, at the very least, abstain from seeking re-election for the sake of our dear country. This call is patriotic, not political. A new Nigeria is POssible,” his statement concluded.