Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Nigerian elections, on Monday, June 22, 2026, called for President Bola Tinubu's resignation, citing a "monumental failure in governance." The demand comes hours after Keir Starmer resigned as British Prime Minister (PM), acknowledging party doubts about his leadership ahead of upcoming elections.
Obi Accuses Tinubu of Worsening Conditions
Obi accused President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, of failing to address key issues. In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi wrote: "The Prime Minister's planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges." He noted that before 2015, Tinubu had led calls for then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity, but those conditions have worsened under Tinubu.
Obi elaborated: "Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition."
Call for Accountability and Responsibility
Obi concluded his statement by joining Nigerians in calling for Tinubu's resignation, stating that such a gesture would help "enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity." The former Anambra State governor emphasized that the country is facing its worst possible condition under Tinubu's leadership.
UK PM Starmer Resigns Amid Party Pressure
Earlier on the same day, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned as both PM and leader of the Labour Party, acknowledging that his party no longer believed he was the best person to lead it into the next general election. In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said Labour had been questioning whether he was "best placed to lead us into the next general election," adding that he had "heard the answer." He confirmed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision and instructed the Labour Party's national executive committee to begin the process of selecting a new leader. Nominations are expected to open on July 9, with the leadership contest set to conclude before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
Nigeria-UK Agreement on Migrant Returns
In related news, the President Tinubu-led federal government signed a new agreement with the UK to facilitate the return of thousands of failed asylum seekers and convicted criminals to Nigeria. The agreement, signed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, aims to deepen cooperation on migration and criminal justice between both nations.
