Obi promised that he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would promote domestic tourism by travelling to different parts of Nigeria if elected in 2027.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed doubt about the ability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to properly prioritize the needs of Nigerians after he embarked on a three-week holiday in Europe.
He questioned the President’s priorities late on Monday night in a statement titled, “PRESIDENT TINUBU GOES ON HOLIDAY AGAIN”, which he shared via his official X page.
Earlier, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had announced that President Tinubu would leave Nigeria on Sunday for Europe to begin a three-week annual leave.
He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave. His first stop will be London, United Kingdom.”
Reacting to the statement in the now-trending post, Obi criticised the President’s decision to travel abroad amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
While emphasising his point, the former Anambra State governor pointed to reports that about 600 Nigerians, mostly women, children and elderly people, were abducted during Juma’at prayers in Niger State.
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According to him, government expenditure on presidential trips and related travel expenses between June 2023 and April 2026 amounted to about £20 million (approx. ₦37.64 billion), while Tinubu reportedly spent approximately 261 days outside Nigeria during that period.
Obi went on to note that while the President globetrots, only ₦36 million was released to the Federal Ministry of Health in 2025 despite a capital allocation of ₦218 billion.
He added that the reported figures raised concerns about the government’s priorities at a time when Nigerians were struggling with serious challenges.
“Leadership is about priorities,” he said.
The NDC chieftain contended that the President should focus more on addressing insecurity, healthcare, education and the economic difficulties facing Nigerians rather than repeatedly leaving the country.
Obi also called for greater patronage of tourist destinations across Nigeria, saying the President should help promote domestic tourism by travelling to different parts of the country.
He said increased domestic tourism could create jobs and support businesses in the hospitality, transportation, agriculture, entertainment and other sectors.
“We deserve leadership that puts Nigeria first—leadership that cares and plans for a better Nigeria,” Obi said.
