Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s ability to manage Nigeria, accusing him of spending more than 260 days outside the country while expressing reluctance to campaign across all 36 states ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi made the remarks on Thursday during a political meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he challenged Tinubu to explain his administration’s record and how borrowed funds had been used.
“President Tinubu has stayed over 260 days out of Nigeria, yet he cannot spend up to 36 days going around Nigeria to tell the people what he has been doing for the past three years,” Obi said.
He questioned the President’s energy and competence, urging him to step aside.
“He does not have the competence to run Nigeria; he does not have the energy to run Nigeria. He should pack his things, go home, and rest,” the former governor said.
Obi also challenged Tinubu to visit Abakaliki and account for his administration’s performance, particularly its borrowing and spending.
“I want him to come to Abakaliki to tell you what he used the money he has been borrowing to do, and to tell Nigerians what he has used their money for,” he said.
Addressing supporters, the presidential candidate cautioned against ethnic divisions in the South-East, insisting that voters should assess candidates on their qualifications and ability to lead rather than their regional or ethnic background.
“Let nobody divide the South East. I don’t want the people of Ebonyi to vote for me because I am from the South East or because I am Igbo,” Obi said.
He described himself as the leading candidate for the presidency and urged voters to support him on the basis of his capacity to govern.
Outlining his plans if elected in 2027, Obi promised to declare a state of emergency in seven areas, including security, hunger, education, healthcare, corruption, power and national unity.
On security, he pledged to strengthen security agencies to protect lives and property, including the rescue of children abducted from schools.
He also promised a tougher approach to corruption, saying public funds must be used for the benefit of Nigerians and that anyone found guilty of embezzling public money, including a president, would face imprisonment.
“We will operate the Federal Character principle transparently for all public roles, ensuring every section of Nigeria is included,” he added.
Obi further cited the number of out-of-school children as a major challenge, saying his administration would work to reduce the figure. He also called for better security for farmers to enable them to return to their farms, increase food production and support exports.
On healthcare, he pledged to ensure functional health facilities in every political ward across the country, arguing that Nigeria had the resources to improve access to essential services.
