Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for spending over 30% of his time abroad during his first 580 days in office.

Obi, speaking at a media chat in Abuja on Thursday, pointed out that the president had made more than 30 recorded overseas trips, which amounted to roughly 180 days spent abroad.

Obi, who has long been a critic of the current administration, called on President Tinubu to dedicate more time to visiting Nigeria’s 36 states in 2025, saying that each state should receive at least two days of presidential attention.

He argued that this would provide the president with a better understanding of the nation’s economic and security challenges, while also improving his connection with the people.

“Mr. President, as you approach the new year, I implore you to use at least 20% of 2025—approximately 72 days—to visit each of Nigeria’s states, engaging with citizens and seeing firsthand the issues they face,” Obi said.

He also suggested that the president visit national hospitals to personally assess the condition of healthcare facilities, which, according to Obi, are in dire need of improvement.

Furthermore, Obi recommended that Tinubu travel by road to observe the state of Nigeria’s infrastructure, citing the poor condition of many highways.

He recalled his own experience as Governor of Anambra State, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited a federal highway and subsequently approved its reconstruction after seeing its deteriorating state.

The former governor also emphasized the need for Tinubu to visit military formations and security agencies to boost morale and provide support for operational efficiency.

He also urged the president to visit internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, emphasizing that many Nigerians are “refugees” in their own country due to ongoing insecurity.

In addition to these recommendations, Obi called for more aggressive action against corruption, stressing the importance of transparency in public procurement and the responsible management of the country’s debt.

He advocated for linking future borrowing to regenerative investments that would benefit Nigeria and support long-term development.

Obi concluded his remarks by calling for direct communication from President Tinubu to the Nigerian people, rather than relying on proxies, and urged for quarterly updates on the government’s progress in addressing the nation’s challenges.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has refuted claims of ongoing merger negotiations with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), or any other political party.

Obi made this clarification during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, where he discussed the current political situation and the state of the nation.

The former Governor of Anambra State stated that no discussions or agreements have been made regarding a merger with any party, despite recent speculations.

He further urged Nigerians to come together in preparation for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and charting a new course for the country.

Marcel Ngogbehei, the Director-General of the Labour Party’s Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, has issued a stern warning to party members and supporters of the Obidient movement, urging them to avoid actions that could cause division within the ranks.

Ngogbehei stressed that disunity would weaken their chances of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

In a New Year message, Ngogbehei emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort, urging Labour Party members to stay focused on the party’s goal of dismantling the APC’s hold on power.

He explained that only a united opposition could successfully challenge the ruling party, urging his colleagues to strengthen their internal cohesion as the Labour Party prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.

Ngogbehei referred to 2025 as the “Year of Unveiling,” signaling a crucial year for the Labour Party to move from vision to action.

He called on all members to maintain hope, work together, and continue rallying Nigerians to join the movement for a fairer and more prosperous nation.

Acknowledging the many challenges ahead, Ngogbehei encouraged party members to prioritize the broader goal of rescuing Nigeria from current inefficiencies, setting aside personal differences to ensure the success of the movement.

The DG stressed that integrity, equity, and justice must remain the foundation of their collective efforts.

Ngogbehei also called for deeper collaboration and stronger integration within the party and among all movement stakeholders, urging them to stay committed to the cause.

He concluded with a call for unity and collective action in order to make the dream of a transformed Nigeria a reality.

He stated, “As we enter 2025, I am filled with optimism and gratitude for the resilience and dedication of the Obidient Movement. This year, we must turn our collective hopes into concrete action and push forward with even greater unity.

“However, I must address a crucial point: any attempts to sow discord within the movement must be reconsidered. Divisions only undermine our strength and play into the hands of those who have no regard for the people’s welfare.

“Only a united, focused opposition can successfully challenge the APC and bring about the change Nigeria desperately needs. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will achieve the future we dream of.”

Ngogbehei urged Labour Party supporters to stay steadfast, keeping the flame of hope alive, and to continue working towards a united, prosperous Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will not relent in its efforts to fight off those attempting to subjugate Nigeria and its people.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Tinubu emphasized that the government is committed to securing the country’s future and ensuring its progress.

Speaking at a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Assembly leadership, and former principal officers at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu declared: “The enslavers want us to be anything but enslaved people, but we say no.”

The meeting was part of the New Year homage led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and was followed by a similar visit from the Nigeria Governors Forum.

The President praised the ongoing collaboration with the National Assembly, acknowledging their support over the past 19 months.

He expressed his resolve to lead Nigeria to the “Promised Land,” a vision he insists is essential for the country’s future. Tinubu said, “We are determined, capable, and resolute. We will take Nigeria to that Promised Land.”

Highlighting the importance of collective effort, he stated, “This transformative journey is for all Nigerians. It’s for tomorrow, for the next generation.”

He encouraged lawmakers to stay committed to the nation’s progress, stating that their work today will bear fruit for future generations.

Reflecting on the government’s ongoing reforms, Tinubu emphasized the need for courageous leadership, quoting a Yoruba proverb about the bravery required to capture a wild animal.

He pledged to work harder, embrace intellectual curiosity, and make bold decisions for Nigeria’s growth.

Vice President Shettima shared his optimism about Nigeria’s economic future, citing the strong partnership between the executive and the legislature.

He acknowledged global economic challenges but expressed confidence that the nation was turning a corner.

“The economy has started picking up, and soon Nigerians will feel the positive changes,” he said, also emphasizing the nation’s resilience amidst global economic pressures.

Senate President Akpabio praised Tinubu’s leadership, affirming the National Assembly’s strong backing of his administration.

He commended the government’s positive economic strides, including the successful oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond and improvements in the business environment. “Investors remain interested in Nigeria due to your bold reforms,” Akpabio said.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also lauded Tinubu for his respect and support for the National Assembly, noting that many key figures in his administration were former National Assembly members.

He reflected on the National Assembly’s unity and fulfillment, thanking the President for his commitment to the welfare of the people and the country.

The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed concern over the exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the 2025 proposed budgetary allocations, a move he described as troubling and in need of immediate reversal.

In a statement, Obi emphasized that the omission of the North Central Commission undermines the development and peace essential for the nation’s progress.

He pointed out that the region requires urgent attention due to the severe challenges it currently faces.

Obi highlighted the relentless terror attacks and banditry in states like Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger, which have led to significant loss of life and displaced countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

These ongoing crises, according to Obi, have made the North Central one of the most vulnerable regions in Nigeria.

He further stressed that the region, which serves as the agricultural backbone of the country, deserves adequate support to improve security, stability, and development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Obi urged both the government and the National Assembly to address the omission as a matter of urgency, warning that failure to do so could have adverse consequences for the region, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s overall development.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s New Year speech, calling it a “manifesto of hopelessness” and claiming it highlights a bleak future for Nigerians under his administration.

According to the PDP, the speech reinforces their belief that the President is out of touch with the challenges facing the nation, largely due to the policies implemented by his government.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja.

He said, “The PDP asserts that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 New Year Day address confirms the fears of many Nigerians that there is no hope for the nation under his leadership.”

The party described the speech as self-congratulatory and an indication that the Tinubu-led APC government is indifferent to the suffering of Nigerians, which they argue is a direct result of poor policy execution and mismanagement.

“The President’s speech failed to offer concrete solutions to the numerous issues plaguing the country, including the soaring price of petroleum, widespread hunger, and the faltering economy. There was no mention of a clear policy direction or roadmap to tackle the urgent challenges facing critical sectors like electricity, oil and gas, road infrastructure, and food production,” Ologunagba stated.

He further criticized the speech for lacking any strategy to address unemployment or stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), which are vital to the country’s economy.

The PDP also took issue with President Tinubu’s failure to offer a definitive solution to the rising cost of fuel, emphasizing that with proper management of national resources, Nigerians should not be paying more than N350 per liter for petrol.

The party expressed concern that the President’s speech did not reflect the realities of the nation’s struggles and argued that Nigerians have lost faith in the current administration.

“Nigerians are disillusioned and looking forward to the next election to end the current nightmare of APC’s governance,” the PDP added.

PDP urged President Tinubu to reconsider his approach, urging him to listen to the concerns of Nigerians and focus more on governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of the citizens.

The Kano State Government has officially opposed the proposed tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made the government’s stance clear during the 2025 New Year celebration at Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre.

The position was conveyed in a statement issued by the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu.

Governor Yusuf expressed concerns that the proposed tax reform would not address the state’s economic issues.

He stated, “This tax reform bill is not the solution to our economic challenges. Kano State stands firmly against any policy that negatively impacts the welfare of our people.” He further criticized the timing of the tax hike, calling it “ill-timed, lopsided, and harmful to the unity of the country.”

Yusuf highlighted the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, especially those in the northern region, who are grappling with hyperinflation and widespread insecurity.

He called on the federal government to prioritize addressing extreme poverty and hunger in the northern states.

In his speech, the governor also pointed to his administration’s successes in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and international scholarship programs.

He reminded residents of the Supreme Court ruling in January 2024 that reaffirmed his election as the legitimate governor of Kano State.

The Deputy Governor, Gwarzo, also touched on the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2024, celebrating it as a triumph for the people’s will.

He emphasized that the power to appoint an Emir rests solely with the Governor of Kano State and urged respect for the law and peaceful coexistence, especially among those involved in the Kano Emirate’s affairs.

Deputy Governor Gwarzo concluded by encouraging the people of Kano to remain united and optimistic for the future, saying, “Let 2025 be a year of shared prosperity and progress. Together, we will build a stronger Kano.