Former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to retire from active politics, arguing that the country requires new leadership capable of tackling worsening poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Saturday, Obi said Nigeria’s mounting social and economic challenges demand urgent and practical solutions rather than political rhetoric. He maintained that the Tinubu administration had failed to reverse the country’s declining fortunes, leaving millions of Nigerians trapped in poverty and insecurity.
Obi cited statistics indicating that about 79 percent of Nigerians are living in poverty, while an estimated 35 million people are facing hunger, describing the figures as evidence of a deepening humanitarian and economic crisis. According to him, the widespread deprivation has become a major driver of insecurity across the country.
He also referenced recent attacks and abductions in Zamfara State, where several communities were reportedly forced to flee their homes following renewed violence by armed groups. Obi argued that the inability of citizens to safely live and farm in their communities reflects the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The level of poverty in the country is directly linked to the insecurity we are witnessing today,” Obi said, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing unemployment, poor education, and economic exclusion.
The former Anambra State governor called for increased investment in education, youth empowerment, and job creation, insisting that these measures would reduce the pool of vulnerable young people who are often recruited into criminal and extremist activities. He also advocated a more hands-on approach to national security, promising that, if elected president in 2027 under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), his administration would prioritize intelligence-driven policing, improved welfare for security personnel, and closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Obi dismissed suggestions that international endorsements or praise from foreign leaders could substitute for good governance at home. Referring to recent commendations reportedly made by U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria, Obi said such remarks would have little meaning if ordinary Nigerians continued to struggle with hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
According to him, the true measure of any administration should be the quality of life experienced by its citizens rather than international recognition.
The former presidential candidate also reiterated his commitment to running an issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said his focus would remain on presenting practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic, security, healthcare, and education challenges instead of engaging in personal attacks against political opponents.
Obi urged Nigerians to carefully assess candidates based on their competence, integrity, and ability to deliver measurable improvements in governance. He emphasized that the country’s future depends on electing leaders who are prepared to make difficult decisions in the national interest.
His remarks come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties intensifying criticism of the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy and security. The Presidency has consistently defended its policies, arguing that ongoing economic reforms require time to yield sustainable results.
As preparations for the next electoral cycle continue, Obi’s latest comments are expected to fuel political debate over the state of the nation and the leadership choices that will shape Nigeria’s future.
