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 country needs a more energetic and capable leader to confront its economic and security challenges.
Obi made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he criticised the Tinubu administration, arguing that it had failed to provide the leadership required to address Nigeria’s growing problems.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the President no longer possesses the capacity needed to effectively govern the country.
“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.
He maintained that Nigeria was moving in the wrong direction under the current administration and called for a change in leadership.
“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 added.
Obi also urged Nigerians to focus less on political calculations and more on issues affecting the lives of citizens, including poverty, hunger, insecurity and the state of education.
Referring to recent global projections, he warned that about 79 per cent of Nigerians could fall below the poverty line, while millions more face the risk of food insecurity if urgent action is not taken.
Reacting to recent comments by United States President Donald Trump commending Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity, Obi acknowledged the praise but insisted that the government’s response had not gone far enough.
“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.
“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.”
Obi’s comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with opposition figures intensifying criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of the economy and security.
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