Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has publicly questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s whereabouts and leadership presence amid deepening economic hardship, widespread insecurity and rising national anxiety.
In a statement shared on his verified X account on Monday, Obi said his concern stemmed from what he described as “a national emergency” marked by severe socio-economic challenges and “the perceived absence of direct presidential engagement” at a critical time.
Obi warned that Nigeria is heading toward having the highest number of people living in extreme poverty globally, with about 140 million citizens facing dire need, alongside rampant hunger, escalating insecurity and mass unemployment among young people.
Amid these challenges, he asked: “In the midst of this chaos, where has our President been?” — framing it as “a critical demand for accountability.”
Obi claimed President Tinubu spent 196 days abroad in 2025, exceeding the time reportedly spent in Nigeria during that same period, and noted that Nigerians have not heard directly from the president since December 2025.
He also criticised what he described as the president’s silence following major national and international events, saying that Nigerians often learned about significant developments through foreign media or statements by international officials rather than from their own leader.
Obi argued that true leadership requires visibility, direct communication and engagement with citizens — not just press releases — and warned that prolonged absence at such a time of crisis undermines national unity and public trust.
“In a time of crisis, the absence of leadership is not just troubling; it is perilous,” he said, adding, “Silence in the face of crisis is the loudest form of failure.”
This article is based on verified public statements and current reporting.
Comments