The presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to embark on a three-week vacation in Europe, saying Nigeria is facing serious challenges that require the President’s attention.
Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday, August 30, 2026, for Europe to begin his annual leave. According to the Presidency, his first stop is London, United Kingdom, after which he is expected to return to Nigeria and join the campaign for the January 2027 election.
Reacting to the development, Obi described the President’s latest trip as another holiday at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and other challenges.
Obi, in a statement, said Nigerians were struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and transportation, while insecurity continued to affect communities and disrupt access to education.
He also referenced reports of the abduction of about 600 Nigerians, predominantly women, children and elderly persons, during Juma’at prayers in Niger State, arguing that the development underscored the urgency of the security situation.
The former Anambra State governor further raised concerns over reported government expenditure on presidential travels, claiming that about ₦37.64 billion was spent on presidential trips and related travel expenses between June 2023 and April 2026, during which the President allegedly spent approximately 261 days outside Nigeria.
Obi also questioned the reported release of ₦36 million to the Federal Ministry of Health in 2025, despite a capital allocation of ₦218 billion.
“This is the calamity befalling our country today,” Obi said, arguing that a government that spends billions on presidential travel while critical sectors remain underfunded must reassess its priorities.
According to him, leadership should focus on improving the living conditions of citizens, particularly when Nigerians are struggling with food insecurity, transportation challenges, insecurity, inadequate healthcare and disruptions to education.
Obi advocated for Nigerian leaders to promote domestic tourism by spending more time visiting destinations within the country.
He specifically mentioned Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Cross River, Bauchi and Ebonyi States as examples of places where the President could vacation while helping to promote Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The NDC presidential candidate said increased domestic tourism could create jobs and stimulate businesses across the hospitality, transportation, agriculture, entertainment and crafts sectors, while also attracting investment and foreign exchange.
“We cannot continue to export our wealth and import our pleasures while our own enormous potential remains neglected,” he said.
Obi concluded by advocating leadership that prioritises Nigeria and its citizens, saying that was the kind of leadership he believed the partnership between him and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would provide.
“A New Nigeria is Possible,” he declared.
