The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his approach during a recent condolence visit to Plateau State, describing it as lacking empathy and direct engagement with affected communities.
Obi, reacting via a post on X on Friday, faulted the President for meeting victims of the Jos attack at the airport instead of visiting the communities where the violence occurred.
According to him, leadership demands more than symbolic gestures, especially during moments of grief and crisis.
“What we witnessed in Plateau reflects a serious gap in leadership,” Obi said. “Leadership is about showing up where the pain is, offering comfort, and demonstrating genuine concern for those affected.”
He argued that addressing victims from the airport falls short of what is expected in such situations, particularly for communities grappling with loss and insecurity.
“For people who have lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, engagement from a distance cannot replace the reassurance that comes with presence,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor also referenced a previous visit by the President to Benue State, noting that a similar pattern was observed when Tinubu did not visit affected areas following an attack in 2025.
“This pattern deepens the feeling of neglect among citizens who continue to suffer recurring violence without adequate protection or justice,” Obi stated. “What is needed now is decisive action and a firm commitment to ending insecurity.”
Obi urged political leaders to prioritise responsiveness and demonstrate stronger commitment to protecting lives across the country.
The criticism follows President Tinubu’s visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, where he met victims of a recent attack at the airport amid backlash from some Nigerians.
In response, the Presidency explained that logistical challenges and operational limitations prevented the President from travelling to the affected communities.
However, critics maintain that the decision highlights a disconnect between leadership and citizens facing the realities of violence.
The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, left at least 27 people dead and several others injured.
Plateau State has long struggled with recurring violence linked to ethnic, religious, and land disputes, raising ongoing concerns about security and government response in the region.
