Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Nigerian elections, has again called for President Bola Tinubu's resignation, accusing the administration of presiding over what he described as “grand corruption.” Obi's demand came on Sunday, July 4, 2026, following the release of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation report that highlighted an alleged N8.83 trillion in unbudgeted expenditure in 2025.
Obi Cites IMF Report on Unbudgeted Spending
The IMF report revealed that expenditure amounting to approximately two per cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) was not reflected in the budget process. Obi described this development as “horrible” and said it reinforced his earlier position that President Tinubu should step down. In a statement titled 'Grand Corruption: Nigeria’s Greatest Threat,' Obi wrote on social media, according to The Punch: “A few days ago, I called on President Tinubu to resign from office for incompetence, lack of capacity, lack of compassion, and failure to improve on his campaign promises. Some people thought perhaps the call was excessive. But with the daily revelations of pervasive corruption in this administration and its total lack of commitment to the welfare and security of Nigerian citizens, the only reasonable action is for President Tinubu to resign from office.”
Obi Laments Collapse of Due Process
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, accused President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, of being responsible for the alleged collapse of 'elementary forms of due process' in Nigeria. He bemoaned “the increased evidence of rampant looting of Nigerian public finances.” Vanguard quoted Obi as saying: “The collapse of elementary forms of due process under Tinubu and the increased evidence of rampant looting of Nigerian public finances reinforce the need for greater accountability. It is now time for Nigerian citizens to rise within the law and hold this administration to account.”
Background of the Resignation Call
Legit.ng recalls that in June 2026, Obi had initially demanded President Tinubu's resignation over alleged governance failures and purported nationwide discontent. The latest call comes amid growing scrutiny of the Tinubu administration's fiscal management. The IMF's finding that N8.83 trillion in expenditure was unbudgeted has sparked widespread debate about transparency and accountability in public finance. Obi's statement, shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, urged citizens to demand accountability from the government.
Public Commentator Predicts Obi Victory
In related news, public commentator Benkingsley Nwashara predicted that Obi will win the 2027 presidential election. Nwashara explained his bold prediction in a social media post, noting that Nigeria's problems could turn voters against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This prediction aligns with Obi's recent interview where he said Nigeria's challenges could shift voter sentiment. The NDC candidate continues to position himself as a reformist alternative to the current administration.
