By Muhammad Mamman
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as excessive foreign travel, revealing that the President has already spent 23 days abroad barely weeks into his administration.
Mr Obi, in a statement on Sunday, expressed concern that President Tinubu’s frequent overseas trips come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity and worsening living conditions for millions of citizens.
According to the former Anambra State governor, leadership at this critical moment demands a strong physical presence at home, where urgent policy actions and constant engagement are required to stabilise the economy and restore public confidence.
“While international engagements are important, Nigeria is currently facing too many internal crises for the President to be largely absent,” Obi said, stressing that the country’s challenges cannot be effectively managed from outside its borders.
He noted that inflation, fuel price hikes, unemployment and the depreciation of the naira have placed enormous pressure on ordinary Nigerians, adding that government officials must show empathy by remaining visible and actively involved in domestic governance.
Mr Obi also questioned the tangible benefits of the President’s trips so far, urging the administration to prioritise measurable outcomes over diplomatic appearances.
The Presidency has consistently defended President Tinubu’s foreign visits, insisting they are aimed at attracting foreign investment, strengthening bilateral relations and repositioning Nigeria on the global stage.
However, Obi maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about immediate relief and decisive action at home, warning that prolonged absence by the nation’s leader could further widen the trust gap between the government and the governed.
