Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu for spending 196 days outside Nigeria in 2025, raising concerns over leadership and accountability as the country faces severe economic and security challenges.
In a statement, Obi highlighted that Nigeria is home to around 140 million people living in extreme poverty, with high youth unemployment, widespread hunger, and poor healthcare outcomes. He questioned the absence of the President during such critical times.
“Since December 2025, Nigerians have not heard a word from their President. Reports indicate he opted for a holiday in Europe while the nation entered the New Year facing hunger, anxiety, and uncertainty. There was no New Year address, no national broadcast, no leadership voice to provide reassurance or guidance,” Obi said.
He also criticised the government’s handling of security incidents, noting that Nigerians learned about U.S. military strikes on Nigerian soil from foreign media and American officials rather than directly from the Presidency. Obi recalled that earlier this year, the administration even used an AI-generated image instead of addressing citizens personally.
Obi warned that the absence of leadership during national emergencies undermines unity and development. “Leadership is not simply issuing press releases; it’s about standing before the people, engaging with them, and offering clarity. We are not asking for perfection; we demand presence,” he said.
He called for direct communication from the President through media briefings, stressing that Nigerians deserve to understand the true state of their country. “Progress is impossible without unity and consensus, and it begins with strong leadership that sets the tone. When leadership withdraws, unity falters, and the fabric of our society unravels under the weight of mistrust and division,” Obi added.
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