Peter Obi, who ran for president under the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has spoken out against President Bola Tinubu. He said Tinubu failed to visit Benue State after many people were killed there, and this shows he doesn’t care enough about human lives.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi said Tinubu’s actions show that he does not value the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He gave examples from countries like India and South Africa to show how true leaders act when their people suffer.
Many Nigerians are angry because over 200 people were killed by herders in Benue, and Tinubu took nearly a whole day to respond. Even Pope Leo reacted earlier, sending his condolences before the president made any statement.
Obi said there was also a terrible flood in Niger State recently that killed almost 200 people, with many still missing. Yet, Tinubu didn’t visit the area, even though it’s not far from him and just a short helicopter ride away.
Just a few days ago, over 200 people, including innocent women, children, and even soldiers, were killed in Benue State. But again, there was no visit from the president. There was no show of support, no one to comfort the families, and no sign of national mourning.
Obi pointed out that other leaders around the world act differently. In India, when a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, their prime minister went to the crash site just hours later. In South Africa, when floods killed 78 people, the president went to meet those affected and showed care.
According to Obi, this is what caring leadership looks like — being present and showing concern. But in Nigeria, leaders don’t show emotion or take responsibility. People have gotten used to leaders who don’t seem to care.
He said Nigeria doesn’t just need someone to hold the title of president. What the country needs is a real leader — someone who has the ability, the heart, good character, and care for the people. Obi warned that unless Nigerians start choosing leaders based on these qualities, the country will keep facing pain and loss.
