Paul Ibe says Tinubu has failed Nigerians in security and welfare, insisting resignation is honourable, not a sign of weakness.

The media advisor and spokesman to the ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that the government has failed to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting lives and improving citizens’ welfare.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ibe argued that stepping down from office when unable to meet expectations should be seen as an act of responsibility rather than weakness.

“It’s not a sign of weakness for a leader to resign. It’s a patriotic act. Let me tell you why President Tinubu needs to resign. The primary responsibility of government is security and welfare. Are we more secure now than we were in 2023? The answer is no,” he stated.

Responding to claims that the government is making progress against insecurity, Ibe dismissed the argument, insisting that the administration’s efforts have fallen far short of expectations, and that the continued captivity of scores of children and other victims across parts of the country are evidence that the government has failed to secure lives and restore public confidence.

Their best is just not good enough. I mean, we can’t continue on this journey of trial and error. The truth of the matter is that Tinubu is incompetent and he’s clueless. He came on board with no set skills. Nigeria is a very complex country, and to be able to govern this country, you need to be wired, you know, for that. He is not,” he insisted.

Ibe further criticised efforts to introduce state policing ahead of the 2027 elections, claiming the move is politically motivated, despite expressing support for the concept in principle.

“What Atiku Abubakar will not do in an election year is to ramp up legislation for state police. I said that the last time I was here. That’s political. We support state police, but not at this time. Whatever, you know, shape or form it takes now, it is political,” he stressed.

Ibe further accused the government of misallocating security resources and cited recurring attacks and killings in Plateau, Benue, Oyo and Kogi states as evidence that President Tinubu has failed to protect citizens, insisting that the continued violence justifies calls for his resignation.

“Why don’t they focus on the critical issue? Why don’t they boost security in vulnerable communities? There are wastages that we have in the system. Look at what happened in Bokkos on Sunday night, about midnight. About two dozen people or thereabouts have been killed, many more are in captivity. That’s in Plateau State. We’ve had that in Benue State, we have it in Oyo State, we have it in Kogi State. What are we talking about? This is enough evidence for the man to—for patriotic reasons, let him throw in the towel,” he maintained.

Addressing concerns that many Nigerians view both the ruling party and opposition figures as part of the same political establishment, Ibe argued that it is up to voters—not the government—to decide whether Atiku Abubakar possesses the competence and experience to lead the country.

“It’s up to the Nigerians to make a determination as to whether Atiku Abubakar is competent enough, has the set skills to be able to govern Nigeria,” he stated.

Ibe also dismissed reports that Rotimi Amaechi set conditions before accepting a running mate role, describing them as media speculation, assuring that the party would make the necessary announcements regarding its presidential ticket at the appropriate time.

“Those preconditions are manufactured in the media, they are a creation of the media for whatever reason. Everyone should just tarry a while. We won’t meet the deadline. The whole modification of our candidates, including the presidential candidate and the vice presidential candidate,” he said. (AriseNews TV, excluding headline)