Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged President Bola Tinubu to either resign or abandon plans to seek re-election in 2027, citing the country’s worsening insecurity and the government’s apparent inaction in the prolonged abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State. In a statement released on Monday, Obi expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the students, who have been held for more than 50 days without any significant rescue efforts. He emphasized that the failure to act reflects a serious breakdown in leadership and governance at the federal level.
Obi made these remarks following a visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, where he learned that President Tinubu had not contacted the governor regarding the abduction. This revelation shocked Obi, who pointed out that past leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan, consistently reached out to state governors during major security crises. He argued that such engagement is not only a duty of leadership but also a sign of compassion and responsibility toward citizens in distress.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that the current administration’s lack of visible presidential involvement in the crisis is deeply troubling. He drew a direct comparison to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, when Tinubu was among those who publicly criticized then-President Jonathan for his handling of the incident. Obi noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, multiple school kidnappings have occurred, yet there has been minimal presidential engagement or public response.
Obi warned that the ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership is turning public frustration into deep, volatile resentment. “It is even more traumatising when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion,” he said. He added that the government and people of Oyo State have every right to feel “bitter and abandoned” after more than 50 days with no tangible progress in rescuing the children.
He further criticized the Federal Government for its perceived lack of capacity and compassion in addressing the growing insecurity across Nigeria. Obi insisted that in the interest of national stability and public trust, President Tinubu should either step down from office or formally withdraw from any plans to contest for a second term in 2027. His call comes amid rising concerns over security, governance, and the federal government’s response to crises affecting vulnerable communities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating insecurity, Obi’s comments highlight growing public demand for accountability and decisive leadership from the nation’s top office. The situation in Oyo State remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated, compassionate, and effective action from federal authorities.
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