Obi Slams “Remote-Control Governance,” Urges Tinubu to Feel Citizens’ Pain on Democracy Day

Peter Obi, speaking at his June 12, 2025 Democracy Day press briefing in Abuja, challenged President Bola Tinubu to end what he described as “governing Nigeria by remote control” and to personally tour the country to understand citizens’ suffering .

Obi noted that Tinubu has spent nearly 150 days abroad over 30 international trips, suggesting instead that those two years could fund a 72-day tour of Nigeria’s 36 states to witness firsthand the nation’s challenges .

Highlighting education woes, the LP stalwart revealed that over 18.3 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, with classroom conditions so poor some students rely on candles and take exams in the dark .

Healthcare woes were next: with fewer than 20% of 30,000 Primary Health Centres fully functional, Obi reminded that a woman dies every seven minutes giving birth in Nigeria, according to UN statistics .

Obi also pointed to collapsing businesses—7 million SMEs shut down and over 80 manufacturers closed under Tinubu’s watch. He named multinational exits like GSK, Diageo, P&G, and Shoprite as evidence of economic decline .

Addressing food security, he cited the Global Hunger Index, warning that Nigeria is now among the world’s hungriest nations—millions can no longer afford basic food due to skyrocketing prices and zero disposable income .

Obi wrapped up with a direct appeal: Tinubu must swap foreign trips for state visits, confront harsh realities, and dedicate his remaining two years to reviving Nigeria. “Governance by remote” won’t cut it anymore—citizens need leadership with feet on the ground.