Former Anambra State Governor and National Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision to embark on another three-week vacation in Europe, arguing that the country is facing serious challenges that require the President’s attention.
Obi, in a statement titled “President Tinubu Goes on Holiday Again,” expressed concern over what he described as the government’s priorities at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with rising living costs, insecurity and inadequate access to essential services.
According to Obi, Nigeria is currently experiencing a deep crisis, with many citizens finding it increasingly difficult to afford food and transportation. He also raised concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country and its impact on education, noting that thousands of children are unable to attend school because of threats to their safety.
He cited the reported abduction of about 600 Nigerians in Niger State, saying the victims were predominantly women, children and elderly people who were reportedly abducted during Juma’at prayers.
Obi questioned the decision of the President to leave the country for another holiday against the backdrop of these challenges.
“Yet, at this critical moment, the President has left the country for another holiday,” he stated.
The former governor also referred to reported government expenditure on presidential travels. According to the figures cited by Obi, government spending on presidential trips and related travel expenses between June 2023 and April 2026 amounted to approximately ₦37.64 billion, while President Tinubu reportedly spent about 261 days outside Nigeria during the period.
Obi contrasted the reported expenditure with what he described as inadequate funding for the health sector. He stated that only ₦36 million was reportedly released to the Federal Ministry of Health in 2025, despite a capital allocation of approximately ₦218 billion.
“This is the calamity befalling our country today,” Obi said, arguing that the disparity raised questions about the priorities of the government.
He maintained that a government capable of spending billions of naira on presidential travel while essential sectors are allegedly starved of resources should reconsider its priorities, particularly as Nigerians continue to face economic hardship.
For Obi, leadership should be measured by the ability of those in authority to respond to the most pressing needs of citizens.
“Leadership is about priorities,” he said.
He argued that when Nigerians are struggling to feed their families, travel safely, access healthcare, educate their children and live peacefully in their homes, the President should devote greater attention to addressing those challenges.
Obi, however, said he looked forward to a Nigeria where the President could spend holidays within the country and use such opportunities to promote Nigeria’s tourism potential.
He listed destinations including Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Cross River, Bauchi and Ebonyi, among others, suggesting that Nigeria has numerous attractions capable of drawing both domestic and international tourists.
According to him, the President should serve as the country’s “chief marketer” by showcasing Nigeria’s tourism destinations in the same way leaders in other countries promote their own attractions.
Obi argued that increased domestic tourism could generate significant economic benefits for communities across the country.
He noted that tourism has the capacity to create employment and support several interconnected sectors, including hospitality, transportation, agriculture, entertainment, crafts and small businesses.
He also pointed to the potential of tourism to attract investment and generate foreign exchange while enabling communities to benefit directly from their natural, historical and cultural resources.
“Imagine the economic possibilities if our leaders, celebrities, business communities, and citizens travelled within Nigeria more frequently,” he said.
The former governor further criticised what he described as Nigeria’s tendency to export its wealth while importing pleasures and experiences that could potentially be developed locally.
“We cannot continue to export our wealth and import our pleasures while our own enormous potential remains neglected,” he stated.
Obi used the opportunity to reiterate his call for a different approach to governance, saying Nigerians deserve leadership that places the country’s interests at the centre of public policy.
He said such leadership must demonstrate concern for citizens, establish clear priorities and develop practical strategies for improving the standard of living.
“We deserve leadership that puts Nigeria first; leadership that cares and plans for a better Nigeria,” Obi said.
The statement also served as an opportunity for Obi to promote the political partnership between himself and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the partnership would offer Nigerians what he described as a new form of leadership focused on putting national interests ahead of personal considerations.
“That is the kind of leadership that the partnership between H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and me will bring,” he declared.
Obi concluded his statement by restating his political vision for the country with his familiar declaration: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
