Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to visit Yelwata, Benue State, after a deadly attack that left several citizens dead.
In a statement on Thursday, Obi described the President’s excuse of bad roads as unacceptable, insisting that true leadership is defined by presence and sacrifice during national tragedies.
“A true leader shows up, makes sacrifices, and provides solutions—especially in difficult times. Excuses have no place in leadership,” Obi said.
Obi questioned why President Tinubu could not make the short trip to Yelwata despite already being in Benue State. He stressed that enough time had passed after the massacre for proper planning and logistics.
“I do not advocate endangering the President, but saying bad roads stopped the visit is weak. Presidential aides made the trip—why couldn’t a helicopter be used?” he asked.
The former Anambra State Governor also blasted the government for the poor state of infrastructure, asking who should be held responsible if not the federal and state authorities.
“If the Commander-in-Chief can’t access parts of his own country due to bad roads, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerians?” he queried.
Obi emphasized that Nigerians need empathy, not protocol, especially during times of grief. He called for a change in leadership style and governance.
“Leadership is not about comfort or protocol. It’s about standing with the people in their hour of need,” he added.
He concluded with a strong call for a new Nigeria built on accountability, sacrifice, and compassionate leadership—not excuses.
“A new Nigeria is possible—but it won’t be built on excuses. It will be built by leaders who take responsibility,” Obi stated.
