Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated foreign travels, asserting that Nigeria requires a hands-on leader, not a globe-trotting figurehead. Obi’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over economic instability, rising insecurity, and deteriorating public services.
Speaking at a policy roundtable in Abuja, Obi stated: “At a time when Nigerians are grappling with inflation, insecurity, and a collapsing infrastructure, the President should be at home leading from the front—not sightseeing abroad. Nigeria needs a president, not a tourist.”
Obi emphasized that leadership demands presence, empathy, and decisive action—qualities he believes are undermined by Tinubu’s frequent absences from the country. He pointed to recent crises, including fuel scarcity, power grid failures, and escalating violence in the North-West, as moments that required presidential visibility and accountability.
President Tinubu’s foreign trips, which have included stops in Europe, the Middle East, and North America over the past six months, have drawn criticism from civil society groups and opposition leaders. Many argue that these visits lack transparency and tangible outcomes, especially as domestic challenges worsen.
“Leadership is not about photo ops in foreign capitals. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and working with your people to solve problems. Nigerians deserve a leader who is present, proactive, and prioritizes their welfare.”
The Labour Party has called for greater accountability regarding the purpose, cost, and outcomes of presidential travel. Obi urged the National Assembly to demand detailed reports on the objectives and benefits of each trip, stressing that public funds must be used responsibly.
As Nigeria faces one of its most turbulent periods in recent history, Obi’s remarks have reignited debate over the role of leadership in times of crisis. His statement underscores a broader demand for transparency, responsiveness, and domestic focus from the nation’s highest office.