Over two years after being chosen as head of Nippon Ishin no Kai by announcing the party would hop, skip and jump its way to being Japan’s largest opposition party, Nobuyuki Baba will step down to take responsibility for its lackluster performance in the Oct. 27 election.

“In light of the results of the recent Lower House election, I’ve decided not to run in the (upcoming leadership) election. It’s essential to give Nippon Ishin a fresh start,” Baba posted on his X account late Wednesday evening.