Peter Obi Calls for New Leadership in Nigeria

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

Obi made these comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He pointed out that the President’s performance does not meet the country’s needs.

He compared Tinubu’s time as Lagos State governor to 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 said Nigeria is heading in the wrong direction under this government.

“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 also raised alarms about Nigeria’s increasing poverty, hunger, and insecurity. He stated that public discussions should focus on these urgent challenges instead of politics.

He mentioned recent poverty estimates, saying, “The World Bank has just said that 79 per cent 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 further added that topics like education, healthcare, and public 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.

Focus on Food Insecurity

On food insecurity, Obi argued that the 2027 election should focus on improving the lives of everyday 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.

In response to comments by former United States President Donald Trump praising Tinubu’s efforts against insecurity, Obi acknowledged the recognition. But he insisted that more action is required.

“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 added, “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 cited recent mass kidnappings in Zamfara State as proof that insecurity is still a major 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.

Security Through Education

Obi argued that real security can only come from fighting poverty and improving 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 massively in education,” he said.

He stated that if he becomes president, he would take personal responsibility for protecting 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.”

Speaking about his 2027 ambitions, Obi emphasized that he is not interested in political power but wants to see Nigeria thrive.

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

He also mentioned that he would 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 current situation, Obi expressed sadness over 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.

He concluded that his aim remains to build “a Nigeria that is united and peaceful” and where every citizen has equal opportunities, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.