In Two Years, Tinubu Has Not Spent One Night in Any State in Nigeria Apart from Lagos, Yet He Is Going to Spend 8 Nights at St. Lucia, a Place Smaller Than Ajegunle” – Peter Obi

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi leveled a stark critique at President Bola Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria during a recent address on governance and national priorities.

 

Addressing the media in Abuja, Obi sharply criticized President Tinubu’s pattern of international travel. He asserted:

“In two years, Tinubu has not spent a single night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend eight nights in St. Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle.”

This pointed statement highlights Obi’s concern over Tinubu’s travel priorities amid pressing domestic challenges. The statistics underscore the urgency of his argument: as of June 29, 2025, Tinubu had spent approximately 248 days abroad—about 33 percent of his 762-day tenure—on over 45 official trips.

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St. Lucia vs. Nigeria’s States

Peter Obi drew attention to the contrast between Tinubu’s extended stay at St. Lucia—a Caribbean nation covering approximately 617 km² with 180,000 residents—and Nigeria’s major cities such as Makurdi (937 km², 489,839 residents) and Minna (6,789 km², 532,000 residents).

 

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The former Anambra governor questioned the optics of spending more time in “a holiday destination” than visiting crisis-stricken Nigerian communities.

In his address, Obi emphasized that Tinubu’s prolonged absences compromised responsive leadership, arguing:

• Domestic crises demand attention: Floods in Minna and insecurity in Makurdi required presidential visits—yet Tinubu opted for leisure instead .
• Leadership by example: Obi urged Tinubu to visit national hospitals and inspect roads to witness firsthand the state of critical infrastructure.
• Reinvest time locally: He recommended dedicating at least 20 percent of 2025—about 72 days—to state visits, instead of overseas travel.

Obi’s criticism is part of a larger narrative questioning Tinubu’s priorities. He has formerly highlighted:

• Persistent economic stagnation and rising poverty, with 54 percent of Nigerians living below the poverty lin.
• 248 days abroad spent away from the country, despite growing public unrest and security threats.
• Medical tourism at odds with efforts to reform Nigeria’s national health system.

So far, the presidency has not responded directly to Obi’s comparisons or critique. Meanwhile, Healh Minister, National Assembly members, and security bodies have not issued official reactions. Their silence leaves Obi’s statement hanging unanswered in public discourse.

 

1. Governance priorities: Civic trust hinges on leaders addressing domestic issues.
2. Crisis response: Disasters demand leadership presence—not prolonged holidays.
3. Public accountability: Time spent traveling creates urgency for transparency.

Obi’s comments signal growing public frustration over perceived neglect and raise questions about Tinubu’s leadership approach as the 2027 elections approach.

Peter Obi’s message is clear: Nigeria needs a president who understands that leadership demands presence—especially during turmoil. Spending six times longer abroad than at home may be a political statement—but is it the right one for a nation in crisis?

TJ News Nigeria reports these remarks aim to renew calls for domestic empathy, responsive leadership, and national solidarity in governance.