Peter Obi

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend his working visit to France and return to Nigeria to address the worsening security crisis in the country.

Obi made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, citing the escalating violence and death toll in several parts of the country. According to him, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives during Tinubu’s two-week absence.

“I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating president’s attention to the security challenges at home,” Obi said. “He must immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.”

The former Anambra State governor expressed grave concern over the recent communal clashes and killings in Plateau and Zamfara states, pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, and rising insecurity in the North-East and South-East regions.

“In Borno State, leaders are decrying the resurgence of insurgency, with increasing attacks on both civilians and troops. The Southeast continues to grapple with abductions and extrajudicial killings,” Obi stated.

His remarks follow public speculation about the nature of Tinubu’s trip to France, with some critics, including activist Omoyele Sowore, alleging it was for medical reasons. However, the presidency has repeatedly dismissed the claims, maintaining that the president is on a scheduled working visit.

While presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Tinubu is expected back “in about a fortnight”, Obi maintained that the country’s challenges require the president’s physical presence and leadership.

“The CEO of the troubled company called Nigeria cannot be absent at such a critical time. The new Nigeria we seek demands leadership that is present, responsive, and accountable,” Obi concluded.