Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President over the country’s worsening security situation, saying the administration has shown a lack of capacity and compassion in handling insecurity.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi described the current leadership crisis in Nigeria as alarming, arguing that the government’s failure to respond effectively to insecurity has left many citizens feeling abandoned and frustrated.
The former Anambra State governor expressed particular concern over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, noting that more than 50 days had passed without their rescue. He said he had previously appealed to the kidnappers to release the children and had also reached out to Oyo State Governor to express his solidarity.
Obi disclosed that he recently visited Ibadan alongside to meet with Governor Makinde. According to him, he was shocked to learn during their meeting that President Tinubu had not personally contacted the governor since the schoolchildren were abducted.
Drawing comparisons with past administrations, Obi recalled that former Presidents , and regularly communicated with state governors during major security crises.
He also referenced the 2014 abduction of the , noting that President Jonathan faced widespread criticism for delaying contact with the affected state governor. Obi claimed that Tinubu was among those who strongly criticised Jonathan at the time and called for his resignation.
According to Obi, more than 13 school kidnappings have occurred under the Tinubu administration, yet the President has allegedly failed to personally reach out to governors affected by such incidents.
Describing the situation as evidence of “a total lack of capacity and compassion,” Obi argued that governance had collapsed under the current administration.
He called on President Tinubu to either resign or decline to seek re-election, insisting that his position was motivated by patriotism rather than politics.
Obi concluded by reiterating his campaign slogan, saying, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
