The recent announcement of President Bola Tinubu's "10-day working leave" in the United Kingdom and France has ignited a significant political debate, with former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi expressing deep concern over the President's frequent foreign travels. Obi highlighted that Tinubu's departure on a Thursday came merely six days after his return from another 15-day trip abroad, suggesting a pattern of prioritizing overseas engagements over pressing domestic issues.

In a series of posts on his X handle, Mr. Obi vehemently criticized the President, arguing that for a nation grappling with widespread hunger, persistent insecurity, and various tragedies, Nigerians rightfully expect their leader to remain within the country to address these severe challenges. He accused President Tinubu of "running away from the country’s problems" and prioritizing personal holidays and trips over the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens. Obi further asserted that a substantial portion of Tinubu's two years in office has been spent traveling abroad, contrasting this with the dire situation faced by the populace. "No holiday is more important than the Nigerian lives you swore to protect," Obi wrote, emphasizing the critical need for leadership, empathy, and presidential presence during these difficult times.

Mr. Obi detailed several urgent issues that demand the President's immediate attention. He pointed out that Nigeria faces alarming statistics, with reports indicating that at least 79% of Nigerians, equating to over 180 million people, are experiencing food insecurity. He also cited recent declarations that Nigeria was the worst country to give birth and, just weeks prior, the worst place to live globally, suffering from the world’s lowest life expectancy. Obi underscored that Nigerians deserve a president who is fully dedicated to solving these critical issues. Furthermore, he highlighted recent tragic events, including an attack in Katsina State where over 50 people were killed and more than 60 kidnapped in the past month, coinciding with one of the President’s previous trips. Obi expressed disbelief that the President did not visit any of these affected states upon his return, nor did he visit Niger State where 60 citizens, including women and children, died in a boat mishap just a day before his latest departure, with many still missing. He questioned the absence of compassion, asking, "How many more must die before you preside over the country?" Obi concluded his critique by reiterating that "True leadership is about sacrifice and the ability to improve healthcare, invest in quality education, lift millions out of poverty, and guarantee the security of every citizen." The Presidency, through spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga, had earlier confirmed President Tinubu's departure for a working vacation in Europe (France and the UK) as part of his 2025 annual leave, scheduled to last 10 working days.

In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State strongly urged Peter Obi to temper his statements, cautioning him against undermining national discourse with what they described as "knee-jerk statements crafted for social media applause." Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the APC spokesman, specifically addressed Obi’s comments linking President Tinubu’s private vacation to the nation’s security situation. Oladejo characterized Obi not as a credible and constructive opposition figure, but rather as a "professional Complainer-in-Chief" whose political aspirations have remained unfulfilled. He openly questioned Obi's constant need to comment on every governmental action.

The APC spokesman accused Obi of "moralising" the President's every move, viewing it less as patriotism and more as a "desperate grasp for relevance." Oladejo argued that Obi consistently "cheapens the seriousness of governance" and "reduces complex national issues to mere talking points." He staunchly defended President Tinubu, asserting that even while on a brief vacation, the President remains "fully briefed and in active communication with his security and intelligence teams." Oladejo emphasized that "Governance does not grind to a halt simply because a leader takes time to rest," especially in an era of secure, real-time communication. He suggested that Obi, despite knowing this, "prefers posturing over pragmatism." Oladejo further advised Obi, as a former governor and presidential aspirant, to understand the importance of knowing when and how to speak, and when to exercise the discipline to remain silent. He concluded by criticizing Obi for offering "little more than soundbites, sermons, and reactionary commentary," noting the absence of "policy, no proposals – just perpetual complaints." The APC maintained its focus on governance, dismissing Obi's critiques as "noise and not leadership and patriotism," and the "performance theatre of political opportunists."