Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of abandoning domestic crises in favor of frequent international travels and partisan politics.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Obi described January 2026 as a “distressing month” that exposed the rapid deterioration of security, infrastructure, and the social fabric of Nigeria.
A Month of ‘Grim Portrails
Obi highlighted a surge in violence across the federation, noting that January was marred by “hundreds of kidnappings and abductions,” with families forced to cough up millions in ransom. He lamented that the insecurity has paralyzed the agricultural sector, as farmers remain too terrified to return to their fields, worsening the nation’s food inflation and rural poverty.
The former Anambra State Governor expressed particular alarm over the state of education, pointing to the closure of schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to insecurity and industrial action.
“This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and bus terminals,” Obi noted. “One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education.”
Jet-Set Leadership
The core of Obi’s grievance centered on President Tinubu’s travel schedule. According to Obi, while other world leaders remained grounded at the start of the year to address domestic priorities, the President spent 23 days of the new year abroad.
“He began the year overseas and returned on the 17th, only to depart less than 10 days later on the 26th for Türkiye,” Obi said. “What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the APC before he jets off again.”
Infrastructure and Power Failures
Obi also took aim at the nation’s energy crisis, pointing out that Nigeria suffered two national grid collapses in January alone. He argued that the “collective impact” of these failures depicts a nation struggling with “economic distress, failing infrastructure, and profound social upheaval.”
Politics Over People
The LP chieftain accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being stuck in “election mode” long before the next cycle, prioritizing political rallies and the poaching of opposition members over the actual work of governance.
“Instead of confronting these urgent challenges head-on, much of the political class remains engrossed in power calculations,” Obi wrote. “The ruling APC seems more concerned with welcoming defectors than with visiting failing institutions or addressing the daily struggles of the Nigerian people.”
As of press time, the Presidency has yet to issue a formal response to Obi’s allegations regarding the President’s extended stay in Türkiye.
