The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to embark on a three-week working vacation in Europe, urging the President to focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
The Presidency had announced that Tinubu’s trip formed part of his annual leave, with London in the United Kingdom listed as his first destination. The President is expected to return to Nigeria after the vacation to resume official and political engagements.
Reacting in a statement shared on his X handle, Obi said Nigeria was facing serious economic and security challenges, including rising costs of food and transportation, insecurity and limited access to education in affected communities.
He argued that public resources should be prioritised towards addressing critical sectors and improving the welfare of Nigerians, rather than spending heavily on presidential foreign trips.
Obi also questioned why the President could not spend his vacation within Nigeria, describing the country as home to several destinations with significant tourism potential.
The former Anambra State governor said the President should serve as a major promoter of Nigeria as a tourism destination, noting that increased domestic tourism could create jobs and support sectors such as hospitality, transportation, agriculture, entertainment, crafts and small businesses.
He maintained that greater investment in Nigeria’s tourism sector could attract investment, generate foreign exchange and enable communities to benefit from their natural and cultural assets.
Obi called for leadership that prioritises the welfare of citizens and makes deliberate efforts to address the country’s economic and security challenges while promoting Nigeria’s vast potential.
PRESIDENT TINUBU GOES ON HOLIDAY AGAIN
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again left Nigeria for another holiday, this time beginning a three-week vacation in Europe.
Nigeria is in deep crisis. Nigerians can barely afford food and transportation. Insecurity is ravaging…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) August 31, 2026
