Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to embark on a three-week vacation in Europe, arguing that the President should be more focused on tackling the challenges confronting Nigerians.
The Presidency had announced that Tinubu’s trip was part of his annual leave, with London, United Kingdom, listed as his first destination. It said the President was expected to return to Nigeria after the working vacation and resume preparations for the January 2027 election.
Obi, however, questioned the timing of the President’s trip, citing the economic hardship, insecurity and other difficulties facing Nigerians.
In a statement posted on his X account late Monday, the former Anambra State governor said the country was facing a deep crisis, with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and transportation.
He also raised concerns over insecurity in several communities and its impact on education, particularly the disruption of schooling for thousands of children.
Obi further criticised what he described as the expenditure of public funds on presidential travel at a time when critical sectors of the economy were experiencing funding constraints and Nigerians were dealing with worsening economic pressures.
He argued that the President’s priorities should reflect the challenges confronting citizens, including the rising cost of living, insecurity, inadequate healthcare, disrupted education and difficulties with transportation.
The NDC presidential candidate also questioned why Tinubu had chosen to spend his vacation outside Nigeria, arguing that the President should take the lead in promoting domestic tourism by visiting different parts of the country.
Obi suggested that destinations across states such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Cross River, Bauchi and Ebonyi could benefit from increased attention if political leaders and other prominent Nigerians travelled more frequently within the country.
According to him, greater domestic tourism could stimulate economic activity by supporting hotels, transportation businesses, agriculture, entertainment, crafts and other small enterprises.
He also argued that increased domestic travel could attract investment and foreign exchange while allowing local communities to benefit directly from Nigeria’s cultural and natural resources.
Obi maintained that Nigeria needs leadership focused on putting the country’s interests first and developing practical solutions to the challenges confronting its citizens.
His criticism comes amid continuing debate over government spending, the cost of living and the priorities of political leaders as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
