The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to step aside ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that the President no longer has the capacity to address Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges.
Speaking during Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Obi said Tinubu, who served as governor of Lagos State, had performed differently in the past but was now “tired” and should retire.
“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 during the interview monitored by Channels Television.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigeria was “headed in the wrong direction” and required energetic leadership capable of reversing its fortunes. He said Tinubu’s “best is not enough” given the country’s current challenges.
Obi pointed to rising poverty, food insecurity, kidnappings and the growing number of out-of-school children as issues that should dominate political discourse ahead of the 2027 election, rather than personalities.
Citing recent reports from international organisations, he said poverty and hunger had reached alarming levels and called for greater investment in education and economic opportunities to address the root causes of insecurity.
Responding to comments by former US President Donald Trump praising Tinubu’s efforts against insecurity, Obi acknowledged the commendation but insisted Nigeria needed stronger action.
He also pledged that, if elected president, he would take a hands-on approach to security and do “whatever it takes” to protect Nigerians.
Obi said his ambition was driven by a desire to see Nigeria succeed rather than personal political ambition.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said.
The interview comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures increasingly criticising the Tinubu administration over the economy, insecurity and governance.
