The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that Nigeria requires a president with the capacity, energy and commitment to respond effectively to the country’s growing challenges.
Obi said the president needed to be readily available to address national emergencies, particularly security crises involving mass abductions and attacks on communities.
The former Anambra State governor made the remarks on Monday while addressing political supporters in Abuja at an event organised to present certificates of return to candidates of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s security challenges require a leadership approach that prioritises the protection of citizens and ensures that government officials respond promptly when communities come under attack.
He argued that a president must be prepared to visit affected areas, coordinate emergency responses and demonstrate a strong commitment to securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
Obi also questioned the administration’s handling of mass kidnappings, insisting that the government should take more decisive action to rescue victims and prevent further attacks.
“We need him to go home because Nigeria cannot be governed with his energy,” Obi said, arguing that the country needed a president who would be available wherever serious problems arise.
He further criticised the government over reports of large-scale abductions, saying leaders must demonstrate a willingness to confront security threats directly.
The comments form part of Obi’s broader criticism of the Tinubu administration as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Security has remained a major concern in Nigeria, with communities in several parts of the country facing threats from armed groups, kidnappers and other criminal networks.
The situation has generated sustained public debate over the effectiveness of existing security strategies and the responsibility of political leaders to protect citizens.
Obi has positioned himself as an alternative to the incumbent president, arguing that a change in leadership could provide a different approach to governance and national security.
Tinubu’s administration, meanwhile, has defended its policies and continued to pursue economic and security measures aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.
Obi’s remarks underscore the extent to which presidential capacity, emergency response and public safety are likely to feature prominently in political debates ahead of the next general election.
His assessment represents the opposition politician’s position on the president’s leadership and does not, on its own, establish an independent assessment of Tinubu’s capacity to govern.