Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his handling of the recent violence in Plateau State, describing the president’s response as a “complete absence of leadership.”
In a statement reflecting on the tragedy that left several Nigerians dead and displaced, Obi noted that Tinubu’s visit to the state ended at the airport rather than extending to the affected communities. Obi recalled a similar situation in June 2025 during the president’s visit to Benue State, where he stopped at the Government House instead of visiting the scene of violence.
“True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies,” Obi said. He emphasized that addressing victims from an airport tarmac is “profoundly inadequate” for citizens who have lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of security.
Obi warned that such distant gestures deepen the sense of abandonment felt by communities repeatedly affected by violence. He called on the federal government to take urgent action to address insecurity and ensure justice for victims.
“Leadership must not only be visible but also tangible – standing with victims, listening to survivors, and acknowledging the depth of their grief,” Obi said. He concluded by urging Nigerians to demand leaders who are “present, responsive, and responsible at all times.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate’s remarks come amid growing public concern over repeated attacks in Plateau and other parts of the country, highlighting the urgent need for more effective security and governance.