Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for not visiting Yelwata, the Benue community where dozens were recently killed in a violent attack.

In a heartfelt message on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi expressed disappointment over the President’s absence and what he called a “flimsy excuse” — Tinubu had said he couldn’t visit the scene due to bad roads.

Obi described the excuse as unacceptable and disheartening.

“Leadership isn’t about comfort or excuses. It’s about sacrifice, presence, and taking responsibility — especially during times of grief,” Obi said.

He questioned how the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, could allow road conditions to stop him from visiting victims of such a tragic event.

“If the President can’t reach his own people because of bad roads, what hope is there for everyday Nigerians who face those same roads daily — without convoys or aircraft?” he asked.

Obi went on to highlight that presidential aides and other staff managed to make it to Yelwata, showing that access was possible. He also pointed out that the presidential fleet includes helicopters — a perfect alternative if the roads were truly impassable.

“This is not a logistics issue. It’s a matter of priorities,” Obi said. “The people didn’t need official statements or media spin. They needed to see their President. They needed empathy and presence — not excuses.”

He concluded with a call for a new style of leadership — one that doesn’t shy away from responsibility, especially in moments of national pain.

“We cannot build a New Nigeria on evasion. It must be built on truth, courage, and presence.”

The tragedy in Benue has once again reopened discussions on leadership, empathy, and the expectations citizens hold for those in power. For Obi, the message is simple: leadership means showing up — especially when it matters most.