2027:Tinubu Is Tired & Should Be Allowed To Retire In Peace -Peter Obi

The Presidential candidate Nigeria Democratic Congress. Peter Onwubuasi Gregory Obi CON, has urged President Bola Tinubu to step aside ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that the President no longer possesses the energy or capacity required to tackle Nigeria’s deepening economic and security challenges.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Sunday Politics with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, Obi said the Tinubu who served as governor of Lagos State was different from the man currently leading 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 go home,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigeria is moving in the wrong direction and requires leadership capable of reversing the nation’s economic decline and worsening insecurity.

“As it is right now, Bola Tinubu is leading us nowhere. We need to change course. That is why I’m calling on him to step aside. He no longer has the capacity to do the job,” he added.

Obi expressed concern over the country’s growing poverty, hunger, insecurity, and governance challenges, saying political discussions should focus on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians rather than personalities.

According to him, recent reports by international organizations paint a troubling picture of Nigeria’s socioeconomic conditions.

“The World Bank has said that 79 percent of Nigerians could be living in poverty. In a country of about 230 million people, that represents more than 180 million citizens. That should be the conversation,” he said.

He also lamented the rising number of out-of-school children, inadequate healthcare, and the alleged mismanagement of public funds, arguing that resources should be invested in critical sectors to improve citizens’ lives.

Speaking on food insecurity, Obi cited figures from the World Food Programme, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to face hunger.

“The 2027 election should be about the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians. The World Food Programme has said that about 35 million Nigerians are facing hunger. People are being kidnapped daily. Those are the issues we should be discussing,” he stated.

Responding to comments attributed to former United States President Donald Trump praising Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, Obi acknowledged the recognition but insisted that the government’s performance remained inadequate.

“Thank you to President Trump. But we need to do much more. People say President Tinubu has done his best, and if that is true, then his best is simply not enough for the challenges Nigeria is facing,” he said.

Obi pointed to recent abductions in Zamfara State as evidence that insecurity remains a national emergency requiring stronger leadership and a more effective response.

He further argued that poverty is one of the major drivers of insecurity, stressing that reducing economic hardship and investing heavily in education would help lower crime and improve national stability.

“You cannot create mass poverty and expect to eliminate insecurity. The more people you lift out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality. We must invest massively in education,” he said.

Outlining how he would approach the security situation if elected president, Obi pledged to take a hands-on approach to protecting lives and property.

“Whatever it takes to secure Nigerians, I will do it. If your people are dying, you must be willing to make every sacrifice as their president,” he said.

Addressing speculation about his presidential ambition, Obi insisted that his motivation is rooted in a desire to see Nigeria succeed rather than personal political ambition.

“I’m not desperate to become Nigeria’s president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said, adding that he would support any leader capable of delivering good governance and meaningful progress.

Reflecting on the country’s trajectory, Obi said he remains concerned that Nigeria continues to experience rising poverty, increasing numbers of out-of-school children, and worsening living conditions.

He reiterated his vision of building “a united and peaceful Nigeria” where every citizen enjoys equal opportunities regardless of ethnicity or religion.