In November 2014, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), publicly called on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign, accusing his administration of failing to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, Tinubu condemned the Jonathan government for “lack of capacity, vision and creativity” in addressing Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges, stating, “In any civilized country Jonathan should have resigned”. He criticized the “lies” and excuses coming from the presidency and promised that his party would sweep Jonathan away through a “broom revolution ".
Fast forward to 2025, Tinubu is now Nigeria’s president, yet insecurity has escalated to unprecedented levels, with mass killings, kidnappings, and communal violence ravaging states including Niger, Plateau, Benue, Katsina, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kaduna, and Borno. Despite these crises, many Nigerians perceive Tinubu’s response as muted or insufficient. The economic situation has also worsened, with inflation soaring, the naira depreciating, and widespread hunger affecting millions. Civil society groups and opposition figures have repeatedly called on Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity or resign, echoing the demands he once made of Jonathan.
Beyond security, Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose management of the 2023 general elections drew widespread criticism for irregularities, delays, and perceived bias. The flawed electoral process has fueled calls for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. Many citizens argue that the failure of INEC to conduct credible elections undermines governance and accountability, exacerbating the country’s political and security challenges.
The contrast between Tinubu’s past calls for Jonathan’s resignation and his current tenure highlights a growing public demand for accountability and effective leadership. As Amaebi Clarkson, a lawyer and activist, remarked, “The people expected Tinubu to bring change, but insecurity and hardship have worsened. Nigerians are hungry and unsafe, yet the government’s response remains inadequate.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the administration’s handling of insecurity, stating, “The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to be spilled with appalling regularity… yet the Tinubu presidency remains disturbingly indifferent”. This sentiment resonates widely, as polls show declining trust in government institutions and rising calls for reform.
In sum, Nigerians recall Tinubu’s 2014 demands for Jonathan’s resignation amid insecurity and now hold him to the same standard. They are not only calling for urgent action to end violence and economic hardship but also demanding electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. The nation’s future hinges on leadership that can deliver security, economic stability, and democratic integrity benchmarks that remain elusive more than a decade after Tinubu’s initial warnings.
