Obi faults Tinubu on multiple foreign trips, over governance.
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter ObiPeter Obi, has accused President Bola TinubuPresident Bola Tinubu of prioritising international engagements over domestic challenges and the reception of politicians from opposition parties against 2027.
The former governor of Anambra State described politicians as Nigeria’s greatest challenge, insisting that the country’s persistent socio-economic problems stem from poor governance rather than a lack of resources. But convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, came in Tinubu’s defence, describing him as the political and ideological successor of the late Obafemi Awolowo. He argued that Awolowo’s democratic socialist principles continue to influence Nigeria’s system of governance through Tinubu.
In a statement posted on his X handle yesterday, Obi described January as “a distressing month” for Nigeria, which uncovered how rapidly conditions in the country were deteriorating.
He said insecurity worsened nationwide last month, with reports of killings and “hundreds of kidnappings and abductions”, while captors demanded millions of naira in ransom.
Faulting Tinubu’s travel schedule, Obi said while leaders of other countries focus on domestic governance at the start of the year, Nigeria’s President prioritised foreign trips, and had already spent 23 days abroad across two trips; “beginning the year overseas and returning on January 17, also departing on January 26 to Türkiye, where he remained as of January 31.
“What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he jets off again.”
He accused the political class, particularly of the APC, of being focused on power struggles and election calculations at the expense of governance.
AT the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, during a special church service held as part of activities marking the golden jubilee celebration of Oyo State, yesterday, he urged the citizens to pray for politicians, whom he described as the problem of the country.
According to him, Nigeria is richly endowed but has failed to translate its vast human and material resources into meaningful development due to leadership failures over the years.
He urged Nigerians to continually pray for their leaders, stressing that the quality of governance ultimately determines the well-being of the people.
