Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s communication style, calling on him to address Nigerians directly rather than through aides.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi said Nigerians want to hear from the man they voted into office, not government spokesmen.
“The person we voted for in this country is Bola Tinubu. He’s no longer talking to us; he’s gone into Aso Rock and turned it into a bunker. We want him to come out of that bunker and speak to the people,” Obi said.
Obi Wants Tinubu to Address Nigerians Directly
He questioned the president’s approach to communicating on matters of national importance, citing the controversy surrounding the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
The former Anambra State governor also outlined his economic priorities, saying agriculture would drive Nigeria from consumption toward production.
“This country can produce enough of what we can eat, and we can actually make more money from agriculture than we make from oil because, as it is today, we have vast uncultivated land,” he said.
He cited Bangladesh, which he said produces about 15 to 16 million tonnes of unmilled rice annually despite its small land area, as proof of what Nigeria could achieve with its larger arable land.
“That production starts with agriculture, which gives you the food you need, raw materials for your factories, and jobs. That’s a win-win,” Obi said.
He argued that fixing insecurity is central to unlocking this potential, alongside affordable financing for businesses and consistent government support.
Obi Renews Call for Tinubu to Step Aside
Obi also repeated his call for Tinubu to resign, describing the president as no longer fit for the job.
“The Bola Tinubu that was governor is not the one that is president today. He’s tired. He should be allowed to retire in peace, and then go home,” he said.
He pointed to recent World Bank projections that 79% of Nigerians, or more than 180 million people in a population of 230 million, face poverty.
“They should be talking about the issue of out-of-school children, talking about the issue of health, and all these monies that are missing here and there that would have been invested properly. Nobody is discussing it,” he added.
Obi also referenced World Food Programme estimates that 35 million Nigerians face hunger, and cited recent mass abductions in Zamfara State as evidence of a worsening security crisis.
“On Wednesday, 40 people were abducted in Zamfara… On Thursday, 50 were abducted. So we’re in a crisis situation that requires another capacity,” he said.
Responding to a recent letter from former US President Donald Trump commending Tinubu's handling of insecurity, Obi welcomed the gesture but said Nigeria needs to do more.
“Thank you to Donald Trump… But with the crisis we are facing, his best is not enough. We need to do more,” he said.
He linked insecurity directly to poverty, saying investment in education and job creation would reduce criminality over time.
“You can’t create mass poverty and think you can deal with insecurity. The more you put people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality,” Obi said.
Obi Defends Four-Year Pledge and Unity Record
On his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso’s comments that Obi had agreed to serve only one term, Obi confirmed the arrangement.
“I will serve for four years — full stop. If you want me, it’s four years, full stop — not a day more,” he said.
He also rejected claims by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff that he lacked the ability to unite Nigeria, pointing to his humanitarian visits across the country.
“I’ve been to the most troubled parts of the North… I’ve been to Benue up to four times, visiting the various affected communities… I’ve spent Christmas and New Year in IDP camps,” Obi said.
He added that he had built boreholes in Gombe, Kaduna and other states, and visited schools, hospitals and communities across the South-West and North-Central regions.
“I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,” he said.
‘I’m Desperate to See Nigeria Work,’ Obi Says
Asked about opposition politicians who frequently mention his name during interviews, Obi said such attacks distract from Nigeria’s real problems.
“Calling me names doesn’t make me feel anything. But they are abandoning issues we are supposed to discuss and discussing what I think is irrelevant,” he said.
He insisted his motivation is not personal ambition but a functioning Nigeria.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. So if it’s working, I’ll support whatever makes it work,” Obi said.
He described his vision for a country where opportunity does not depend on connections.
“I want to see a country where… a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody; where we can put people out of poverty; where young ones will have the opportunity to live, get a job, be an entrepreneur,” he said.
Reflecting on the country’s direction, Obi said Nigeria has continued moving backward under the current administration.
“Every year we’re headed south, where more and more people have been impoverished, more and more children are out of school. Things are going in the wrong direction,” he said.
He said his goal remains building a Nigeria that is united and peaceful, with equal opportunity for every citizen regardless of tribe or religion.
