Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised alarm over what he described as the troubling absence and silence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid Nigeria’s deepening economic, social and security crises, questioning the state of leadership and accountability in the country.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Where is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” Obi said the question was not rhetorical but a “critical demand for accountability in a national emergency,” as Nigeria edges towards what he described as unprecedented levels of hardship.
According to Obi, by the end of the year, Nigeria is projected to have about 140 million people living in extreme poverty — the highest number globally — while grappling with widespread hunger, worsening insecurity, massive youth unemployment estimated at over 80 million, and one of the world’s worst infant mortality rates.
“We are grappling with one of the hungriest populations globally, staggering insecurity, an unemployment rate exceeding 80 million among our youth, and one of the worst places to be born, with infant mortality rates worse than those of a nation seven times our size,” Obi said.
Against this backdrop, the former Anambra State governor questioned President Tinubu’s prolonged absence from the country, alleging that the President spent 196 days abroad in 2025 alone — more time outside Nigeria than within.
“In the midst of this chaos, where has our President been? Spending 196 days abroad in 2025 alone — more than he has spent within his own country, at a time when we face profound crises,” he stated.
Obi further criticised the President’s silence since December 2025, noting that Nigerians welcomed the New Year without a presidential address or national broadcast, despite mounting economic and security concerns.
“Since December 2025, Nigerians have not heard a word from their President. 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. “There was no New Year address, no national broadcast, no leadership voice to provide reassurance or guidance.”
He contrasted Nigeria’s situation with that of other developing nations, where leaders, he said, are visibly present during moments of crisis. Obi expressed particular concern that Nigerians reportedly learned of U.S. military strikes on Nigerian soil from foreign media rather than from their own President.
“Following U.S. military strikes on our soil, our President remained silent. Instead of directly addressing the nation, Nigerians learned about these critical events from foreign media, American officials, and vague communications from the Presidency’s aides,” he said.
Describing the situation as “neglect,” Obi criticised what he called a pattern of absence, adding that the President was seen abroad attending another summit while remaining detached from domestic realities. He also referenced an earlier incident in which an AI-generated image was reportedly issued to Nigerians in place of a direct address.
“Are we to believe Nigeria is being governed, or is it merely being managed from elsewhere?” Obi asked. “Leadership is not simply issuing press releases; it’s about standing before the people, engaging with them, and offering clarity.”
He stressed that Nigerians were not demanding perfection from their leaders but visibility, communication, and engagement, especially during periods of national distress.
“We are not asking for perfection; we demand presence,” Obi said. “Nigerians are eager to hear from their President through direct media briefings. They deserve to understand the state of their country.”
Obi warned that progress cannot be achieved in a divided nation and that unity begins with strong, visible leadership.
“Progress is impossible without unity and consensus, and it begins with strong leadership that sets the tone,” he said. “When leadership withdraws, unity falters, and the fabric of our society unravels under the weight of mistrust and division.”
He concluded by warning that silence in moments of crisis carries grave consequences.
“In a time of crisis, the absence of leadership is not just troubling; it is perilous,” Obi said. “Silence in the face of crisis is the loudest form of failure.”
Reiterating his long-held position on national renewal, Obi added: “A New Nigeria is not just possible; it is essential.”
