Obi Blasts Tinubu Over Foreign Trips Amid National Crises

 

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has faulted President Bola Tinubu for prioritising foreign travels over pressing domestic challenges.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Obi described January as a “distressing month” for Nigeria, highlighting the rapid deterioration of security, economy, and social welfare.

He said insecurity escalated nationwide last month, with numerous killings, hundreds of kidnappings, and millions of naira demanded as ransom. Many farmers remain unable to return to their farms, aggravating food shortages and rural poverty.

“Education is a cornerstone of national development, yet countless children remain out of school, either due to insecurity or ongoing teachers’ strikes. This is particularly troubling in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools are shuttered despite billions spent on renovating conference centres and bus terminals,” Obi stated.

He also criticised the nation’s power sector, pointing out two national grid collapses in January, which disrupted economic and domestic activities.

Obi further condemned Tinubu’s travel schedule, revealing that the President spent 23 days abroad in January, including trips that began the year overseas and a visit to Türkiye, returning intermittently to welcome defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“What urgent matters warrant his prolonged absence from the country? When he returns, it often seems merely to accommodate political defection activities before leaving again,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor accused the political elite, particularly the ruling APC, of focusing on power struggles and election calculations instead of governance.

“Instead of addressing urgent national challenges, much of the political class remains engrossed in power calculations. The APC seems more concerned with rallies and welcoming defectors than with visiting failing institutions or alleviating the daily struggles of Nigerians,” Obi noted.

His comments paint a grim picture of a nation grappling with insecurity, economic distress, failing infrastructure, and social upheaval.