Nigeria’s opposition figure and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to step aside before the 2027 general election, arguing that the country needs a new generation of leadership to address deepening economic and security challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi said the current administration has failed to effectively tackle rising poverty, insecurity and the high cost of living, insisting that stronger leadership is needed to change the country’s direction.
According to Obi, President Tinubu’s performance in office has not matched the leadership he demonstrated as governor of Lagos State many years ago. He claimed the president no longer has the capacity required to confront Nigeria’s growing national challenges and should retire from active politics.
Obi maintained that the focus of political leaders should shift from election calculations to addressing the daily struggles facing millions of Nigerians. He pointed to concerns over increasing poverty, food insecurity and limited access to quality education, warning that the country’s socio-economic conditions continue to deteriorate.
The former Anambra State governor also reacted to recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who reportedly commended Tinubu’s efforts in improving security. While acknowledging the praise, Obi argued that the government’s achievements remain insufficient considering the scale of Nigeria’s security and economic problems.
He stressed that more decisive action is required to restore public confidence, improve living standards and create opportunities for citizens ahead of the next election cycle.
Obi’s comments are expected to intensify political debate as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential election, with governance, economic recovery and national security likely to dominate campaign discussions.
