Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Tinubu’s Prolonged Absence, Calls It a National Emergency

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, accusing him of neglecting his leadership duties amid worsening socio-economic conditions.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi described the situation as a “national emergency” and called for accountability from the presidency.

“Where is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” Obi asked, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity, reassurance, and visible leadership.

He lamented that nearly 140 million Nigerians are living in extreme poverty, while hunger, insecurity, and unemployment continue to affect millions of citizens, particularly young people. Obi alleged that President Tinubu had spent 196 days abroad in 2025 alone, claiming this exceeded the time he spent within the country during a period of deep national crisis.

Obi further criticised the President’s silence since December 2025, noting the absence of a New Year address or national broadcast.

“Reports indicate that he chose to holiday in Europe while Nigerians entered a new year marked by hunger, anxiety, and uncertainty,” he said.

President Tinubu reportedly left Lagos on December 28 for Europe and later travelled to Abu Dhabi to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Drawing comparisons with leadership in other developing nations, Obi argued that responsible leaders remain present and visible during periods of crisis.

“In Nigeria, following reported U.S. military strikes on our soil, the President remained silent. Nigerians learned about these critical developments through foreign media and vague statements from aides, rather than directly from their own leader,” Obi stated.

He also condemned the President’s frequent participation in international summits while remaining largely absent from domestic affairs, describing the trend as “neglect.” Obi questioned whether Nigeria was truly being governed or “managed from elsewhere.”

According to him, effective leadership requires direct engagement, transparency, and consistent communication with citizens.

“You cannot run Nigeria like a personal business or a private club. Progress is impossible without unity and consensus, and these begin with leadership that sets the right tone. In times of crisis, the absence of leadership is not only troubling—it is dangerous. Silence in the face of crisis is the loudest form of failure,” Obi concluded.