Politics
Peter Obi Criticizes President’s Prolonged Absence Calls for Urgent Leadership
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a renowned advocate for transparency and good governance, has raised concerns about the prolonged absence of both the President and Vice President from Nigeria, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with severe economic challenges.
Speaking in response to media reports detailing their international travels, Obi questioned the leadership’s priorities, particularly given the depth of the domestic issues affecting millions of Nigerians.
In his statement, Obi emphasized that while some might argue that there is no vacancy in the Presidency despite both leaders being out of the country, it remains troubling for a nation facing a multitude of crises.
He noted that the President had initially informed the public that he would be away for only 14 days, a period that has now elapsed.
With the country still waiting for his return, Obi argued that a leader of a troubled nation like Nigeria should prioritize the welfare of the people and return earlier than planned, considering the pressing volume of work that requires urgent attention.
Obi further highlighted the unimaginable hardship Nigerians are enduring due to some policies implemented by the current administration.
He pointed out that the policies have led to unprecedented levels of suffering and poverty across the nation, a situation that demands the immediate focus of the President.
“We need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation,” Obi remarked.
One of the most concerning aspects of the President’s recent absence, according to Obi, was the decision to send the Vice President to Sweden for a two-day working visit, while the President himself was in Paris, France.
Obi argued that Paris, which is only 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, would have allowed the President to make a brief detour to attend the event in Sweden, saving valuable time and national resources.
Instead, the Vice President had to travel a much longer distance—3055 nautical miles from Abuja to Stockholm, a journey of over nine hours.
Obi expressed his dismay, noting that this decision resulted in far more travel time and expense than if the President had simply attended the meeting himself while in Europe.
“This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty,” Obi stated.
He emphasized the importance of making decisions that reflect true leadership, especially during times of crisis.
For Obi, this is a moment for the nation’s leaders to demonstrate their commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians by managing the country’s limited resources with efficiency and care.
As the country continues to navigate economic challenges, many Nigerians, particularly those living in poverty, are hoping for a stronger, more engaged leadership.
Obi’s comments resonate with a significant portion of the population, who feel the current administration has not done enough to address the deepening economic woes.
His call for prioritizing the well-being of the people through more responsible governance reflects the growing sentiment among citizens that the nation needs leadership that will put their needs first.
With his slogan “A New Nigeria is Possible,” Peter Obi continues to inspire hope for a future where government actions are more in tune with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
As he champions the need for fiscal discipline and compassionate leadership, Obi’s message strikes a chord with many who feel the country is at a crossroads and in desperate need of change.
The Arewa Youth Movement has recommended that for President Bola Tinubu to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, he should choose a Northern Christian as his running mate.
This suggestion is aimed at addressing the religious and regional imbalances that were highlighted in previous elections. During a briefing in Abuja on Monday, the group’s leaders, including National President Ambassador Muhammed Sa’ad Aboki, stressed the importance of inclusivity in the political process.
The movement believes that selecting a Northern Christian as a vice-presidential candidate would boost Tinubu’s support, particularly in the Middle Belt and among northern Christians. “One of the most discussed possibilities is Tinubu’s re-election bid, which could reshape the political landscape,” said Aboki. He added that choosing a Christian running mate would help address the religious imbalance seen in the past and broaden Tinubu’s appeal, particularly in regions with a significant Christian population.
Aboki noted that a Northern Christian vice-presidential candidate would send a strong message of unity, inclusiveness, and sensitivity to Nigeria’s diverse religious makeup. The 2023 election results shows the importance of religious inclusivity in securing votes across Nigeria’s diverse regions, with Tinubu losing in states like the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and Plateau, where northern Christians are a key demographic.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, believes it’s nearly impossible to remove President Bola Tinubu from power through a coalition in the 2027 elections. Speaking on a live TV program, he dismissed recent coalition talks by some political figures as nothing more than noise, saying they don’t pose any real threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, those pushing the idea of a coalition are underestimating the deep-rooted structure and support base of the APC. “There’s no political tsunami on the way,” he said. “I’ve been part of presidential campaigns. I understand Nigeria’s political landscape. A coalition strong enough to unseat Tinubu just isn’t possible right now.”
His comments were in response to remarks by key opposition voices like Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai, who have been suggesting a united front against Tinubu ahead of 2027. Baba-Ahmed had criticized the current administration for poor governance and urged voters to seek change.
Rumors have also been swirling about a possible merger within the PDP, though many of the party’s governors have denied any involvement. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose even described the whole idea as pointless and dead on arrival.
Keyamo made it clear that forming a strong political merger takes time, recalling how long it took for Tinubu and Buhari to build the APC after the 2011 elections. He said those planning a coalition now are either confused about what they want or have already missed the train.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to put President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid above their personal political goals.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Keyamo said Tinubu needs a second term to complete the reforms his administration has started. He warned that allowing a new government to take over in 2027 could disrupt the progress already made, repeating the cycle of abandoned policies.
“Every APC member should focus on securing Tinubu’s second term, even if it means sacrificing personal ambitions,” he said.
He referenced the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the APC as a significant gain, especially since Delta was a major supporter of the opposition in the past. Keyamo, who hails from the state, said he willingly handed over party leadership there to Oborevwori to strengthen the party ahead of 2027.
According to him, unity and sacrifice within the party are key to securing another term for Tinubu. “It’s not about me,” he said. “What matters is that Mr President wins again.”
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