Peter Obi Asks Tinubu To Quit Or Drop 2027 Re-Election Bid Over Rising School Abductions

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his handling of school abductions and the country’s worsening security situation, urging him to either resign or refrain from seeking re-election in 2027.

Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on X after visiting Seyi Makinde in Ibadan to express solidarity over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, who he said had remained in captivity for more than 50 days.

Describing the incident as a “Nigerian tragedy,” Obi argued that the continued detention of the pupils reflected a failure of leadership and compassion by the Federal Government.

“The ultimate cost of uncompassionate leadership, as evident in the country today, is turning citizens’ 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.

The former Anambra State governor said he had previously appealed to the abductors to release the children and had spoken with Governor Makinde on two occasions to express his support, stressing that insecurity should transcend political differences.

Obi disclosed that he visited Ibadan on July 3 alongside Pat Utomi to commiserate with Makinde after more than 50 days had passed without the children’s rescue.

According to Obi, he was surprised to learn during the meeting that President Tinubu had not personally contacted the Oyo State governor over the incident.

“I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi recalled that Tinubu had criticised Jonathan for delaying contact with the affected state’s governor.

“I vividly recall that the current President, Bola Tinubu, led a team of vocal critics who called for President Jonathan’s immediate resignation over the incident, citing his delay in calling the state governor. That call for immediate resignation should actually be the case in this matter,” Obi said.

He further alleged that more than 13 school abductions had occurred since Tinubu assumed office, accusing the administration of failing to show sufficient concern for victims and their families.

“I cannot imagine any issue more important than the lives of our kidnapped children, their teachers, and the many other Nigerians being held captive across the country. It is now an indisputable fact that governance has completely collapsed under this administration,” Obi stated.