Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take stronger action against corruption in the public service.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi emphasized the need for the president to ensure thorough investigations into missing or stolen funds and address past corruption issues. The former Governor of Anambra State urged Tinubu to focus on eliminating corruption by enhancing transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract award processes. “The priority should be on eradicating current and future misconduct by increasing transparency in procurement and awarding of contracts, as well as implementing rigorous monitoring to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively,” Obi stated.
He further advised the president that any future borrowing should be linked to investments that generate income and produce tangible assets that benefit the nation. This, he said, would ensure the country’s productivity while allowing it to manage and repay such loans without accumulating excessive debt that fails to yield returns and places a heavy burden on future development.
In addition, Obi criticized President Tinubu’s frequent overseas travels, noting that the president had spent over 30% of his time in office, approximately 180 days, abroad, with more than 30 publicly recorded international trips.
Obi urged the president to dedicate more time to visiting each of Nigeria’s 36 states. “Out of the 580 days you’ve been in office, it’s reported that over 180 days have been spent abroad. I appeal to you to spend at least 72 days of 2025, or roughly 20% of the year, visiting each of the 36 states for two days each,” Obi proposed.
He explained that such visits would give the president an opportunity to better understand the dire economic and security conditions across the country. Obi also suggested that Tinubu consider receiving medical treatment in one of Nigeria’s National Hospitals or Regional Federal Medical Centres, such as those in Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Calabar, Umuahia, or Akure. This, he said, would help showcase the country’s healthcare system and encourage its improvement.
