Peter Obi Condemns Tinubu’s Frequent Foreign Travel Amid National Crises

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s travel schedule, questioning the president’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s mounting security and humanitarian challenges.

Tinubu’s latest trip will be his 15th in 2025.

In a statement on X, Obi expressed concern over what he described as the president’s pattern of extended absences from the country during critical periods.

“From all indications, our President is not finding his home in Nigeria conducive for a long stay, and it should be concerning to us,” Obi said, referencing the president’s departure for France just six days after returning from a previous international trip.

According to Obi, the president recently completed a 15-day absence for what was originally scheduled as a five-day engagement, and is now embarking on “about his 10th trip to France in two years” for an annual holiday.

The criticism comes as Nigeria faces multiple crises simultaneously. Obi cited alarming statistics, noting that “at least 79% of Nigerians have been reported to be facing food insecurity, that is over 180 million people facing hunger.”

He also referenced recent international rankings that placed Nigeria unfavorably in global assessments. “Nigeria, just last month, was declared the worst country to give birth, and just weeks ago, the worst place to live, with the world’s worst life expectancy,” Obi stated.

The opposition leader drew particular attention to recent security incidents that occurred during the president’s absence, including a devastating attack in Katsina State, where “over 50 people were killed in the horrifying mosque and village attack” with “over 60 people kidnapped.”

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, also criticised the president’s failure to visit Niger State following a boat accident that claimed 60 lives, including women and children, with many others still missing.

“What would it have taken the president to take a less than 30-minute trip to Niger State from Abuja in his jet?” Obi questioned. “Mr. President could have at least visited the grieving families in Niger before jetting off again.”

In his statement, Obi emphasised what he sees as a fundamental disconnect between the president’s actions and the needs of Nigerian citizens.

“Where is the compassion for Nigerian lives, Mr. President? How many more need to die for you to preside over the country?” he asked.

The former Anambra State governor concluded with a call for different priorities, stating: “No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect. At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays.”

Obi outlined his vision of effective leadership, saying: “True leadership is about sacrifice and the ability to improve healthcare, invest in quality education, pull millions out of poverty, and guarantee the security of every citizen.”

The presidency has not yet responded to Obi’s criticisms. This latest statement continues the opposition leader’s pattern of holding the current administration accountable for its policies and priorities since losing the 2023 presidential election.

The debate over presidential travel and priorities comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, security threats, and social issues that have dominated the political landscape throughout the current administration’s tenure.