“No Empathy, No Leadership” — Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Benue Visit Amid Mass Killings

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as an insensitive and politically charged visit to Benue State, following the killing of over 200 innocent Nigerians in recent attacks.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Obi said the President’s presence in the mourning state felt more like a campaign stop than a moment of national compassion.

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“We pleaded that the President should show leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning,” Obi wrote. “To offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre.”

Obi expressed dismay that the President showed up in “celebratory agbada attire” rather than mourning clothes, sending what he called a tone-deaf message in the face of tragedy.

“This was not the time for political optics,” he said. “It was a time to mourn, to comfort, and to show the weight of the nation’s grief. Instead, the moment was lost.”

Obi also criticized the Benue State Government for declaring a public holiday for the visit, accusing them of prioritizing “fanfare” over sober reflection.

His comments have sparked renewed public debate online, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments and questioning the Federal Government’s approach to national crises and mass casualty events.

For Obi, the message is clear: Leadership is not about presence — it’s about compassion.