Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as ineffective and insisting that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would offer better governance.

Abaribe alleged that the current administration has taken on the character of what he termed a “Kabiyesi-style” government, where the president is treated as infallible.

The senator made these remarks during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Monday night.

He argued that Nigeria has many committed democrats capable of leading the country effectively, singling out Peter Obi as his preferred choice. According to him, the issue goes beyond personalities and centres on how governance has been reduced to unquestioned loyalty to the president.

Abaribe said the prevailing atmosphere discourages dissent, noting that any opinion opposing the government’s stance is quickly branded as disloyal or treasonable. He maintained that effective governance thrives on constructive criticism and opposing views, not blind agreement.

The lawmaker also condemned what he described as the involvement of President Tinubu’s family in state affairs, stressing that Nigeria operates a democratic system, not a monarchy. He contrasted this with Obi’s tenure as governor, saying Obi’s family remained largely out of public attention throughout his time in office.

Abaribe further rejected claims that he supports the popular “on your mandate” chant associated with Tinubu. He said he has never participated in the chant and has no intention of doing so.

He explained that while members of the National Assembly rise for the national anthem during budget presentations, he deliberately remains seated whenever the mandate song is played, distancing himself from it entirely.