Obi Faults Tinubu’s Europe Trip, Says Nigerian Lives Come First

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Saturday criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for travelling to Europe at a time when Nigerians are grappling with worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Obi, in a statement posted on his official X handle, said no vacation or foreign engagement should take precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens.

“Your vacation isn’t more important than Nigerian lives,” Obi wrote. “From all indications, our President is not finding his home in Nigeria conducive for a long stay. It does look like Mr. President is running away from Nigeria at every slight opportunity.”

The former Anambra governor faulted the timing of the president’s trip, noting that Tinubu left just days after returning from an earlier foreign engagement. He argued that the president ought to have shown leadership and empathy by visiting communities recently struck by tragedies.

Obi cited recent attacks in Katsina State, where dozens of people were killed in a mosque and village assault, and more than 60 others kidnapped. He also referred to the boat mishap in Niger State in which about 60 women and children died, with several still missing.

“With the presidential jet at his disposal, it would have taken the President less than 30 minutes to visit Niger State to console the victims,” Obi said.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s worsening food insecurity, inflation, and rising poverty, warning that governance must prioritise compassion and presence in times of crisis.

Tinubu’s trip has drawn criticism from opposition voices, while supporters of the president argue that international engagements are essential for strengthening diplomatic ties and attracting investment.

The president has so far made multiple visits to Europe since assuming office, a pattern Obi insists sends the wrong signal to citizens enduring hardship at home.