Tinubu Should Retire Ahead of 2027, Says Peter Obi

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, saying the President no longer has the capacity to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Obi said Tinubu had performed well as governor of Lagos State but argued that his leadership as President had failed to tackle the country’s growing problems.

“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 go home,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigeria was heading in the wrong direction and needed a leader with the energy and commitment to reverse its fortunes.

“As it is today, Bola Tinubu is leading us nowhere. He no longer has the capacity to do the job,” he added.

Obi expressed concern over rising poverty, hunger, insecurity and poor governance, saying public discussions should focus on the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians rather than political personalities.

According to him, recent reports by international organisations highlight the severity of the country’s challenges, including increasing poverty and food insecurity.

He also called attention to the growing insecurity across the country, citing recent abductions in Zamfara State as evidence that more decisive action was needed.

Responding to comments by former United States President Donald Trump praising Tinubu’s efforts against insecurity, Obi acknowledged the commendation but insisted that the government’s performance remained inadequate.

“I’ve heard people say he has done his best, but with the crisis we are facing, his best is not enough. We need to do far more,” he said.

Obi argued that insecurity cannot be solved without addressing poverty, unemployment and poor access to education, stressing that investment in education and economic opportunities would help reduce crime.

He said that if elected president, he would take a more hands-on approach to security and ensure the protection of every Nigerian.

“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,” he said.

On his presidential ambition, Obi reiterated that his priority was not occupying office but ensuring Nigeria works for its citizens.

“I’m not desperate to be president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said, adding that he would support anyone capable of delivering good governance.

Obi concluded by saying his vision is to build a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has equal opportunities regardless of tribe or religion.