Peter Obi slams President Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips: “Nigeria needs leadership, not holidays”

rmer presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has once again criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his frequent foreign trips, accusing him of neglecting urgent national crises at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with insecurity, hunger, and worsening living conditions.

In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday via his official Facebook page, Obi questioned the president’s priorities after Tinubu embarked on yet another trip to France — his 10th visit to the country in less than two years. According to the former Anambra State governor, Tinubu left Nigeria barely six days after returning from a 15-day stay abroad for what was officially described as a five-day engagement.

“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 wrote. “Just yesterday, for the umpteenth time, Mr. President waved the nation goodbye again, barely six days after his return to Nigeria, after he spent 15 whole days for just a five-day engagement. He is now heading for about his 10th trip to France in two years, this time for his annual holiday. It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity.”

Hunger, insecurity, and failing public services

Obi’s comments come at a time when the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported that over 79% of Nigerians — more than 180 million people — are experiencing food insecurity, a crisis compounded by rising inflation, unemployment, and economic hardship.

He also referenced recent troubling reports about Nigeria’s declining living standards, pointing out that the country was ranked the “worst country to give birth” and among the most difficult places to live globally, with one of the world’s lowest life expectancies.

For Obi, these realities demand a president who is “hands-on, present, and empathetic”, not one frequently abroad.

“At a time when Nigerians need leadership, empathy, and presence, a President should not choose foreign holidays,” Obi said. “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.”

Security crises deepen across states

The former governor highlighted the recent boat mishap in Niger State, which killed at least 60 people, mostly women and children, as well as ongoing incidents of banditry and kidnappings in parts of the country.

Obi also referenced the mosque and village attack in Katsina State last month, which left over 50 people dead and 60 others kidnapped while President Tinubu was on one of his earlier trips.

“One would have expected that the president would at least visit one of these states when he arrived six days ago, or at least visit Niger State where just yesterday, 60 of our citizens died,” Obi wrote. “What would it have taken the president to take a less than 30-minute trip to Niger State from Abuja in his jet? Where is the compassion for Nigerian lives, Mr. President? How many more need to die for you to preside over the country?”

Tinubu’s travel record draws growing scrutiny

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on over 25 international trips to destinations including France, the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia, India, and South Africa. While the Presidency maintains that many of these travels are crucial for attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships, critics argue that the trips have not translated into tangible economic relief for ordinary Nigerians.

This latest criticism from Obi mirrors his earlier statements in 2024, when he accused the Tinubu administration of “governing from the skies” and failing to demonstrate enough presence during times of national emergencies.

“A New Nigeria is possible”

Obi ended his statement with a renewed call for responsible leadership and compassion, insisting that Nigerians deserve better governance and stronger commitments from those entrusted with power.

“No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect,” he wrote. “A New Nigeria is POssible.”

As at the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not responded to Obi’s latest remarks.