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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Nigeria, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as a lack of compassion and presence in response to recent killings in Plateau State and earlier violence in Benue State.
In a post on his official X account, Obi said leadership must be defined by empathy, compassion and direct engagement with victims, lamenting that President Tinubu did not visit affected communities during his recent trip to Plateau State.
“Leadership Without Compassion is Not Leadership,” Obi wrote, adding:
“During his visit to Benue State in June 2025, Bola Ahmed Tinubu stopped at the Government House but did not go to the actual scene where innocent Nigerians lost their lives. Similarly, yesterday in Jos, his engagement ended at the airport instead of at the affected communities.”
The former Anambra State Government governor argued that the President’s approach reflected a failure of leadership, especially at a time when victims of violence required empathy and reassurance.
“What happened in Plateau yesterday highlights a complete absence of leadership. True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies. For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac is profoundly inadequate,” he stated.
Obi further warned that such actions deepen the feeling of abandonment among citizens who have endured repeated attacks without meaningful intervention.
“This approach exacerbates the sense of abandonment already felt by innocent Nigerians who have endured repeated cycles of violence without meaningful protection or justice. Plateau deserves more than distant words; it requires urgent action and a clear commitment to ending the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives,” he added.
He stressed that leadership must be visible and responsive, especially during national tragedies.
“In such moments, leadership must not only be visible but also tangible—standing with victims, listening to survivors, and acknowledging the depth of their grief,” Obi said.
Calling for a shift in governance style, the former presidential candidate urged Nigerians to demand more accountable leadership.
“If we truly desire a better Nigeria, we must demand leadership that is present, responsive, and responsible at all times. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
The comments come amid growing concerns over renewed violence in parts of Plateau State, with stakeholders calling for stronger federal response and improved security measures to protect vulnerable communities.