Abuja, Nigeria – Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence, citing deepening economic hardship, insecurity, and leadership silence in Nigeria.
In a statement on Monday, Obi expressed his concern, driven by the scale of challenges facing the country and the perceived lack of direct presidential engagement. “As we approach the end of this year, Nigeria will be home to approximately 140 million people living in extreme poverty – the highest number in the world,” Obi said.
Obi questioned the President’s visibility amidst these challenges, alleging that Tinubu spent 196 days outside the country in 2025, exceeding his time within Nigeria. He also claimed Nigerians haven’t heard directly from the President since December 2025.
Obi highlighted the country’s struggles with economic hardship, including widespread hunger and mass unemployment among young people, as well as rising insecurity. He criticized the President’s silence, noting that there was no New Year address or national broadcast to reassure citizens.
The former governor also pointed out that Nigerians often learn about critical events from foreign media rather than from their own leader, describing the situation as a “national emergency” and demanding accountability from the President. He emphasized that leadership requires visibility, direct communication, and engagement with citizens, especially during crises.
