Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, has raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visibility amid mounting economic and security challenges in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his verified social media account on Monday, Obi described the nation’s situation as a “national emergency” and questioned the absence of direct presidential engagement. He framed his inquiry as a demand for accountability, emphasizing that leadership requires presence and communication, especially during crises.
“By the end of this year, nearly 140 million Nigerians are expected to live in extreme poverty—the highest figure worldwide,” Obi noted. He highlighted widespread hunger, rising insecurity, and high youth unemployment as pressing issues, further pointing to Nigeria’s poor infant mortality rates. “In the midst of this chaos, where has our President been?” he asked.
Obi alleged that in 2025, President Tinubu spent 196 days abroad, claiming this outnumbered the time he spent in Nigeria. He also criticized the lack of direct communication from the President since December 2025, noting the absence of a New Year’s address or national broadcast during a period marked by anxiety and uncertainty.
“Instead of hearing from their leader, Nigerians often learn about critical developments from foreign media, American officials, or vague statements from Presidential aides,” Obi said, condemning what he called neglect rather than governance.
He stressed that effective leadership requires visibility, engagement, and clarity. “Leadership is not about issuing press releases; it is about standing before the people, engaging them, and offering direction,” he argued. Obi warned that prolonged silence from the nation’s leadership undermines trust, weakens unity, and endangers societal cohesion.
“In times of crisis, absence is dangerous, and silence becomes the loudest form of failure,” he concluded.
