Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that the President no longer has the capacity to address Nigeria’s deepening economic and security challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi said Tinubu’s performance as President has fallen short of expectations despite his record as a former governor of Lagos State. He claimed the current administration had failed to reverse the country’s worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and growing poverty.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria is moving in the wrong direction and requires energetic leadership capable of tackling its mounting challenges.
“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 also painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s socio-economic situation, pointing to reports from international organisations on poverty, hunger and education. He lamented that political discourse had become more focused on personalities than on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
“The World Bank has just said that 79% of Nigerians are going to face poverty. In a country of 230 million people, that’s over 180 million. That should be the issue we should be discussing,” he said.
The former governor also cited food insecurity and worsening insecurity across the country, noting that millions of Nigerians face hunger while kidnappings continue to threaten communities.
“This election in 2027 should be about issues that affect ordinary Nigerians. The World Food Programme has just said 35 million Nigerians are going to face hunger. Nigerians are being kidnapped. Let’s talk about Nigeria.”
Reacting to comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly commended Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity, Obi acknowledged the praise but maintained that the government’s response remains inadequate.
“Thank you to President Trump. But we need to do more, far more than what we are doing. I’ve heard people say he has done his best, but with the crisis we are facing, his best is not enough.”
Using recent abductions in Zamfara State as an example, Obi insisted that Nigeria needs stronger leadership and a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity by addressing its root causes, including poverty and inadequate access to education.
He said that if elected president, he would take direct responsibility for national security and ensure decisive action to protect lives.
“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.”
Speaking about his own political ambition, Obi said his interest is not driven by a desire to occupy the presidency but by a commitment to improving the country.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. If it’s working, I’ll support whatever makes it work.”
Obi concluded by expressing concern over Nigeria’s continued decline, saying his vision remains to build a peaceful, united and prosperous nation where every citizen has equal opportunities, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
