Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, publicly called on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to extend his regional visits beyond Benue State to include Niger State, emphasizing the need for broader engagement with Nigeria’s pressing security and economic challenges.
Obi made the statement on June 17, 2025, following Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, where he addressed issues related to farmer-herder clashes and food insecurity. Obi argued that a single trip is insufficient to grasp the scale of Nigeria’s crises, particularly in Niger State, which has been plagued by rampant banditry, kidnapping, and displacement of communities.
He highlighted that Niger State, a key agricultural hub, has seen thousands of farmers abandon their lands due to insecurity, exacerbating food shortages. Obi urged Tinubu to engage directly with affected communities, hold town hall meetings, and consult with local leaders to develop sustainable solutions. He stressed that leadership requires empathy and proactive presence across all regions, not selective visits, to address the interconnected issues of poverty, unemployment, and violence.
Obi also called for a national dialogue on security, suggesting that Tinubu’s administration prioritize policies to restore trust and stability. No immediate response from Tinubu or his administration was reported, and it remains unclear whether a visit to Niger State is planned.