Obi Slams Tinubu Over Caribbean Trip, Says “Not the Time for Holidaying”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for embarking on a leisure trip to Saint Lucia amid widespread hardship and insecurity across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to leave Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu’s first stop will be Saint Lucia, where he will undertake a state visit aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations and strengthening South-South cooperation.

After he visits Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil to participate in the 17th Summit of BRICS in Rio de Janeiro.

During his time in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will make courtesy calls to the Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

Obi, who released the statement on Saturday, expressed disbelief over reports confirming that Tinubu would spend part of his Caribbean visit on vacation, at a time when the country is reeling from natural disasters, insecurity, and worsening poverty.

“What I have seen and witnessed in the last two years has left me in shock about poor governance delivery and apparent channelling of energy into politics and satisfaction of the elites, while the masses are languishing in want,” Obi wrote.

He referenced the recent confirmation by Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre that Tinubu would arrive on Saturday, June 28, for a two-day official engagement followed by personal vacation time. Obi described the timing of the trip as insensitive, especially following devastating floods in Minna, Niger State, where over 200 lives were reportedly lost and hundreds remain missing.

“I told the person who drew my attention to the Caribbean story that it cannot be true. I didn’t want to believe that anybody in the position of authority, more so the President would contemplate a leisure trip at this time,” he said.

He also recalled Tinubu’s delayed and controversial visit to Makurdi, Benue State, after another tragic incident, suggesting it was more political spectacle than a genuine gesture of condolence.

Obi contrasted the size and population of the Caribbean island with Nigerian states like Minna and Makurdi, questioning the rationale for prioritising foreign leisure at a time of national crisis.

“This regime has repeatedly shown its insensitivity and lack of passion for the populace. What we see is a concentration of efforts in the 2027 election and on satisfying the wealthy while the mass poor continues to multiply in number,” Obi added.

He concluded by urging the federal government to reverse its “very obvious indifference” toward the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and to refocus on equitable governance and poverty alleviation.

“A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi ended.