Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has expressed concerns over the recent foreign trips taken by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Obi criticized the timing of these travels, stating that their absence comes when Nigeria is grappling with numerous pressing challenges.
Tinubu had traveled to the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave, followed by a trip to France on October 11 for what his Senior Special Assistant, Ibrahim Masari, described as “another important engagement.” Meanwhile, Shettima embarked on a two-day official visit to Sweden to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements.
The Presidency, in defense of the trips, assured that both leaders remained fully engaged in governing the country, even while abroad. It also emphasized that their absence did not create a leadership vacuum.
Obi’s Criticism
Reacting via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi argued that it is inappropriate for both the President and Vice President to be out of the country simultaneously, given Nigeria’s socio-economic difficulties. He expressed disappointment that Tinubu had not returned after his initially announced 14-day leave, stressing the need for his immediate presence to address the nation’s mounting crises.
“The untold hardship unleashed on our people by some of this administration’s policies is unimaginable. We need the President’s urgent attention to navigate the nation through these challenges,” Obi remarked.
He further questioned the coordination of the trips, noting that since Tinubu was already in Paris, it would have been more efficient for him to attend the bilateral meeting in Sweden rather than delegating the Vice President. Obi emphasized that this approach would have saved time and reduced the financial burden on Nigeria’s strained resources.
“It doesn’t represent the fiscal responsibility and common sense expected of leaders at a time when people are facing hunger and poverty,” Obi stated.
Second Concurrent Absence of Tinubu and Shettima
This marks the second instance since their inauguration that both leaders have been absent from Nigeria simultaneously. The first occurred between late April and early May 2024, when Tinubu traveled to Europe and the Middle East, while Shettima attended events in Kenya and the U.S. Shettima eventually cut his U.S. trip short, returning to Nigeria ahead of Tinubu’s arrival on May 8.
Obi concluded by urging the administration to demonstrate “true and committed leadership” by prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians and making cost-effective decisions in managing national resources.
