Starmer: Presidency, Peter Obi bicker over call for Tinubu’s resignation
Tinubu Urged to Resign by Obi Following Starmer’s Departure
By Henry Umoru and Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — A heated exchange unfolded Monday between Nigeria’s Presidency and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of his resignation.
Obi called for President Bola Tinubu to step down, asserting that Tinubu has failed to fulfill his electoral promises, much like Starmer. The Presidency dismissed Obi’s remarks as “childish” and “hollow.”
In response to Starmer’s resignation, Obi expressed on social media that Tinubu should follow suit, citing the deteriorating living conditions for citizens and unmet campaign commitments. “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation,” Obi wrote. He highlighted the challenges facing both countries, noting public dissatisfaction with governance and economic stability.
Obi recounted Tinubu’s past promises, including improved electricity supply and anti-corruption measures, and stated that conditions had worsened since Tinubu took office. He pointed out increased insecurity and economic difficulties, stating, “Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified, and economic hardship has deepened.”
In a swift rebuttal, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga characterized Obi’s comments as political posturing, especially given the recent electoral successes of Tinubu’s party. He emphasized the differences between Nigeria’s presidential system and the UK’s parliamentary system, stating that Nigeria’s president is elected for a fixed four-year term.
Onanuga noted Tinubu’s administration has made progress in security and economic development, insisting that challenges inherited from the previous administration are significant. He cited successful military operations against terrorist threats and improvements in GDP growth, contradicting Obi’s assessment of the economic state.
“The security challenges we face today are longstanding and deeply rooted,” Onanuga stated, defending Tinubu’s record and asserting that the president is committed to addressing these issues. He criticized Obi’s previous tenure as governor of Anambra, claiming it lacked effective governance.
Vanguard News
