Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, saying he lacks the energy and capacity to govern Nigeria.
Mr Obi said the country needed a new leader with the availability, commitment and competence to address its mounting challenges.
The former Anambra State governor spoke at a dinner organised to present certificates of return to the NDC’s candidates for the 2027 general elections.
He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address the country’s problems, saying Nigerians were yearning for a change in leadership.
“Everything is collapsing. Nigerians are looking for new leadership, and I can assure you that we will get it,” he said.
“Today, President Tinubu has led a government that lacks competence, capacity, compassion and commitment to deal with Nigeria’s problems.
“Above all, President Tinubu does not have the energy that can solve power for Nigeria today. And he must go. He needs to go home.
“Nigerians cannot be governed with his energy of today. The people need a president who will be available, and that will always be there,” Obi said.
Mr Obi also warned against electoral manipulation in the 2027 elections, insisting that the NDC would resist any attempt to rig the polls.
He called for a free, fair and credible election, warning those who might seek to manipulate the process against doing so.
“Let it be known that if anybody rigs 2027, we will rig him. We want a free, fair and credible election. Don’t give anybody an excuse. We need to make this country work. Nigerians should be proud to travel anywhere,” he said.
The NDC candidate urged party members to intensify their campaigns ahead of the elections, while cautioning against the harassment of opposition supporters.
He said political opponents and their supporters should be allowed to participate in the electoral process without intimidation.
“So, go out and campaign. And for those who are harassing our supporters and innocent Nigerians, let me warn you again. Humility is not weakness. It is a virtue,” he said.
“Good behaviour is not weakness. Nobody has a monopoly on rascality,” Obi added.
The remarks signal an intensification of political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures criticising the Tinubu administration and raising concerns about the conduct of the forthcoming polls.
