Fayose Says Tinubu Is “Tired,” Calls for Change in Leadership

Nigerian businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the President should leave office to allow a different leadership approach in Nigeria.

Fayose made the remarks while reacting to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s declaration that he would resign if Tinubu fails to win the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike reportedly made the pledge on Wednesday while speaking to members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja. He said he would submit his resignation on January 17, 2027, if Tinubu loses both territories in the January 16 presidential election.

Reacting in a Facebook post, Fayose said he expected Peter Obi to retain strong support in Abuja and Rivers State. He also questioned Wike's confidence in delivering the two territories for Tinubu.

“Tinubu is tired; he needs to be retired so that Nigeria can move forward.”

Fayose further said the President had only recently returned to Nigeria, apparently referring to Tinubu's return from an extended European working vacation.

Tinubu's response to health concerns

Fayose's remarks come days after Tinubu returned to Nigeria following about four weeks in Europe. On September 29, Tinubu told journalists in Lagos that he was “healthy and sound” and ready to resume his duties.

The Presidency had also previously described the trip as a working vacation and rejected concerns surrounding the President's prolonged absence from the country.

Fayose's statement therefore represents his political assessment, rather than an independently established finding about Tinubu's health or capacity.

The controversy also echoes comments made by Peter Obi in July 2026, when Obi separately said Tinubu was “tired” and should retire. The APC subsequently rejected Obi's criticism and said Tinubu remained actively engaged in governance.

2027 political context

The exchange comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Wike remains a PDP member but has publicly supported Tinubu's re-election bid, while Fayose has expressed support for Obi's political prospects in Abuja and Rivers.

Fayose also warned against interpreting political confidence or threats of electoral manipulation as evidence of what the eventual election result will be. The actual outcome will depend on the votes cast and the officially declared results.

Source: Phoenix Browser/NewsVista, with related reporting from Daily Post, Naija News and TheNewsGuru.