Resign or shelve re-election bid over insecurity, Peter Obi tells Tinubu

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has called for President Bola Tinubu's resignation or shelving of his re-election plans. Obi accused the current administration of failing to address escalating insecurity and demonstrating a lack of compassion for victims.

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The ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership, as evident in the country today, is turning citizens’ frustration into deep, volatile resentment.

Obi made his remarks in a statement on X, following a visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde concerning the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren abducted over 50 days prior. The former Anambra State governor described the Federal Government's response to the kidnapping and other security issues as a "collapse of governance," stating that Nigerians feel increasingly abandoned. He argued that the consequences of poor leadership are becoming more apparent nationwide.

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It is even more traumatising when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion.

Expressing sympathy for Oyo State, Obi said its government and people have valid reasons to be disappointed by the continued captivity of the abducted schoolchildren. "The ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership, as evident in the country today, is turning citizens’ frustration into deep, volatile resentment," he stated. He added, "It is even more traumatising when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion."

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The government and people of Oyo State, more than 50 days after the abduction of the schoolchildren without any tangible effort toward their rescue, should rightly feel bitter and abandoned.

Obi shared his solidarity with Governor Makinde, noting that during their meeting, he learned that President Tinubu had allegedly not contacted the governor about the abduction. Obi recounted his experience as governor of Anambra State in handling security challenges and recalled the support previous presidents provided to state governors. He had previously spoken publicly about the abduction incident twice and appealed directly to the kidnappers for the children's release, also calling Governor Makinde twice to express solidarity.

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During our two-hour meeting, I shared my experience as governor of Anambra State in dealing with security challenges, recalling the support previous presidents gave state governors during periods of insecurity.