12 January 2026
In a scathing critique posted on X, former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called for greater presence and direct engagement from President Bola Tinubu, accusing the administration of neglect during a period of profound national challenges.
Obi highlighted alarming statistics, noting that Nigeria is on track to have approximately 140 million people living in extreme poverty by the end of 2026—the highest number globally—according to projections from PwC and the World Bank. This figure represents about 62% of the population, with poverty expected to peak this year before a slight decline in 2027. He pointed to widespread hunger, youth unemployment exceeding 80 million, staggering insecurity, and Nigeria’s reputation as one of the worst places for infant survival.
The Labour Party chieftain questioned the President’s whereabouts, claiming President Tinubu spent 196 days abroad in 2025 alone—more time outside the country than within it—amid these escalating crises. Obi stated that since December 2025, Nigerians have received no direct communication from their leader, with no New Year address or national broadcast to offer reassurance.
Reports indicate the President departed for Europe on 28 December 2025 for an end-of-year holiday, ahead of an official engagement at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in early January. This absence coincided with the New Year period marked by economic hardship and uncertainty.
Obi drew particular attention to the US military strikes on 25 December 2025 against Islamic State-linked targets in northwest Nigeria (Sokoto State), conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities following approval from President Tinubu. He criticised the lack of a direct presidential address, arguing that citizens learned of the events primarily through foreign media and US officials rather than from their own leader. The strikes, described by US President Donald Trump as a “Christmas present” to militants allegedly targeting Christians, were confirmed by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister and military, with reports of multiple militant casualties.
The opposition figure contrasted Nigeria’s leadership approach with that of other developing nations, where presidents actively engage during crises. He referenced earlier instances, including the use of an AI-generated image for public communication and frequent foreign trips for summits, questioning whether the country is being “governed” or merely “managed from elsewhere”.
Obi emphasised that true leadership requires presence, direct media briefings, and face-to-face engagement to foster unity and clarity. He warned that withdrawn leadership breeds division, mistrust, and societal unraveling, rendering policies ineffective in a fractured nation.
“We are not asking for perfection; we demand presence,” Obi declared. “Silence in the face of crisis is the loudest form of failure.”
He concluded by reiterating his long-standing call for a renewed Nigeria built on unity, consensus, and strong, accountable leadership.
President Tinubu’s administration has faced recurring criticism over foreign travels, with earlier reports noting multiple trips to Europe (including France and the UK) for official duties and holidays throughout 2025. The Presidency has previously defended such absences as temporary and aligned with communicated schedules, insisting that governance continues effectively.
Obi’s statement reflects ongoing political tensions ahead of future elections, as opposition voices amplify concerns about economic hardship, insecurity, and leadership style in Africa’s most populous nation.
- Peter Obi calls for President Tinubu’s resignation over ‘monumental failure’ in governance
- INEC Launches Investigation into Alleged Misuse of CVR Database Credentials
- Peter Obi Accepts NDC Presidential Nomination, Declares ‘A New Nigeria is Possible’
- Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Breaks Silence: Supreme Court, Not Legal Team, Ordered Retrial
- Zelenskyy delivers rare joint letter to US President and Congress
