The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has argued that President Bola Tinubu should not seek another term, insisting that the President should step aside and “go home and rest.”

Obi made the remarks during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy and security.

The former Anambra State governor alleged that poverty and insecurity have worsened since Tinubu assumed office, questioning the rationale behind any campaign for a second term.

According to Obi, a government that has failed to deliver on its promises should not be asking Nigerians for another mandate.

He also stressed that his interest in the presidency is driven by a desire to see Nigeria function effectively rather than a personal quest for power.

Obi claimed that many Nigerians who owned thriving businesses before the current administration took office in 2023 have experienced severe economic hardship, with some reportedly forced into petty trading to survive.

Speaking during the interview, he said: “Tinubu is tired and needs to go home and rest. When Tinubu came into power, about 87 million Nigerians were living in poverty, but today the figure has risen to 140 million.

“Insecurity has become worse. What exactly are they asking Nigerians to renew? You cannot renew failure.

“I am not desperate to become Nigeria’s president. If a student repeatedly fails in school, they are asked to leave. People who had successful businesses when this administration came into office are now struggling to make ends meet, with some selling kuli-kuli.”