Peter Obi Calls for New Leadership in Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has asked President Bola Tinubu to step down ahead of the 2027 general election. He believes Nigeria needs a leader with the energy and skills to tackle the growing economic and security issues.

Obi shared his thoughts during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He stated that the President's performance has not met the needs of the country.

He compared Tinubu’s time as Lagos State governor with his current role, saying, “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.”

The former governor of Anambra State stressed that Nigeria is heading in the wrong direction under the current administration.

“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,” he said.

Obi raised alarms about Nigeria’s increasing poverty, hunger, and insecurity. He believes public discussions should focus on these urgent matters instead of political games.

Citing recent reports, he said, “The World Bank has just said that 79 percent 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 also mentioned that topics like education, healthcare, and government spending need more attention.

“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.

On food insecurity, he argued that the 2027 election should focus on improving the lives of regular Nigerians.

“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,” he said.

Responding to comments from United States President Donald Trump, who praised Tinubu's efforts against insecurity, Obi acknowledged the recognition but said there is still much work to be done.

“Thank you to Donald Trump. Thank you to President Trump. But we need to do more, far more than what we are doing,” he said.

Obi continued, “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.”

He pointed to recent mass kidnappings in Zamfara State as proof that insecurity is a serious problem.

“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,” he said.

Obi believes that true security can only come by tackling poverty and improving education access.

“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 massively in education,” he said.

He stated that if he becomes president, he would take personal responsibility for the safety of Nigerians.

“Whatever it takes to secure any Nigerian, I will do that,” Obi said. He added, “If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. You’re the president. You’re the number one person.”

Discussing his ambitions for 2027, Obi made it clear that he is not just after political power but has a vision for Nigeria.

“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said.

He also mentioned that he will support any leader who can provide good governance.

“If it’s working, I’ll support whatever makes it work,” Obi said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s situation, Obi expressed sadness at what he sees as a steady decline in living conditions.

“Every year we’re headed south, where more and more people have been impoverished, more and more children are out of school. Things are going in the wrong direction,” he said.

Obi’s goal is to build “a Nigeria that is united and peaceful” where every citizen has equal chances, regardless of their background.