Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former governor of Anambra State, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his reported holidays abroad, arguing that Nigeria’s leaders should spend more time within the country and visit communities facing serious challenges.

Obi made the remarks in a video shared by Symfoni TV, where he discussed presidential leadership, engagement with states across the federation and the importance of showing solidarity with Nigerians affected by insecurity.

During his comments, the former Anambra governor claimed that Tinubu had never visited Bayelsa, Anambra or Enugu and spent the night in any of the states

He contrasted this with his experience as governor of Anambra, recalling that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had visited the state and stayed overnight during his tenure.

Obi cited the visit as an example of how a president could demonstrate interest in states beyond the Federal Capital Territory and other major centres of political activity.

“Today President Tinubu has never been to Bayelsa and slept there, he has never been to Anambra State and slept there, he has never been to Enugu and slept there. When I was governor Obasanjo slept in my state. Where has Tinubu been?” Obi said.

He also questioned the practice of Nigerian leaders spending their holidays outside the country, arguing that public officials should use such opportunities to engage with citizens and appreciate the conditions in which they live.

Referring to Tinubu’s reported holidays in France, Obi asked why Nigeria’s leaders should not spend their leisure time within the country, particularly in areas experiencing insecurity and other pressing difficulties.

The NDC candidate went on to outline what he said he would do if elected president in 2027. He pledged to spend his holidays in different Nigerian states, specifically mentioning Plateau, Benue, Zamfara and Borno, which have experienced various security challenges.

“All my holidays will be in Nigeria,” Obi declared, presenting the commitment as part of his proposed approach to leadership and engagement with the country’s diverse communities.

His remarks suggest that he views presidential visits to different parts of the country as more than ceremonial activities, arguing that such engagements could help demonstrate concern for residents and draw attention to the problems they face.

The comments also bring questions of presidential visibility, domestic tourism and the relationship between national leaders and local communities into the political conversation ahead of the 2027 general election.