Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the president’s silence on national issues, accusing him of turning the Presidential Villa into a “bunker.”
Obi made the remarks on Sunday during a live appearance on Channels Television, where he challenged the president to address Nigerians directly instead of leaving government officials and aides to speak on his behalf.
According to Obi, leadership requires regular communication with citizens, especially during periods of economic and political challenges.
“A leader must be speaking to his people. The person we voted for in this country is Bola Tinubu. He’s no longer talking.
“President Tinubu has turned Aso Rock into a bunker. He is no longer talking. He should come out of that bunker and speak to the people. Where is the man we gave our mandate?” Obi said.
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The former Anambra State governor argued that elected leaders should personally account for their administration’s actions and decisions rather than relying on spokespersons and other government officials.
“We didn’t vote all these characters talking to us. I will be speaking to the people. I’ll be telling them, ‘I said I’ll do this,’ and that is what it will be. That’s why I said there should be commitment,” he stated.
Obi also referenced the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying the president should personally respond to issues affecting his administration.
“Today, we are talking about fake agency in the government. Where is the man who is leading the country? He should be the one talking to everybody,” he added.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that transparency, accountability and direct communication with citizens are essential qualities of effective leadership.