Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has raised concerns about the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and what he described as troubling leadership silence in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, Obi said his concern was driven by the scale of challenges confronting the nation and the absence of direct presidential engagement at a critical time.
He framed his remarks as “a critical demand for accountability in a national emergency.”
Obi warned that Nigeria is heading toward an alarming milestone.
“As we approach the end of this year, Nigeria will be home to approximately 140 million people living in extreme poverty — the highest number in the world,” he said.
He added that the country is grappling with widespread hunger, worsening insecurity, and mass unemployment among young people.
Obi further claimed that Nigeria remains “one of the worst places to be born,” citing high infant mortality rates. He then questioned the President’s visibility in the midst of these challenges.
“In the midst of this chaos, where has our President been?” he asked.
Allegations of Prolonged Absence
Obi alleged that President Tinubu spent 196 days outside Nigeria in 2025, a figure he said exceeded the time the President spent within the country during the same period.
He also claimed that Nigerians had not heard directly from Tinubu since December 2025.
“Reports indicate he opted for a holiday in Europe while the nation was plunged into a New Year marked by hunger, anxiety, and uncertainty,” Obi said.
He noted that there was no New Year address or national broadcast to reassure citizens.
Obi criticised what he described as Tinubu’s silence following major national and international developments affecting Nigeria.
“Instead of directly addressing the nation, Nigerians learned about these critical events from foreign media, American officials, and the vague communications from the Presidency’s aides,” he said.
He added: “This is not governance; it’s neglect.”
The former governor stressed that leadership requires visibility, direct communication, and engagement with citizens, especially during periods of crisis.
“Leadership is not simply issuing press releases; it’s about standing before the people, engaging with them, and offering clarity,” Obi said.
Obi argued that sustained silence from leadership weakens national unity and trust.
“When leadership withdraws, unity falters, and the fabric of our society unravels,” he warned.
He concluded: “In a time of crisis, the absence of leadership is not just troubling; it is perilous. Silence in the face of crisis is the loudest form of failure.”
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