Abia South Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has accused President Bola Tinubu of poor leadership, arguing that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would govern Nigeria more effectively.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, Abaribe said the current administration has taken on what he described as a “Kabiyesi” style of governance, where the president is beyond criticism.
“There are many Nigerians who are democrats who can run this country like Peter Obi, and he will be my candidate,” Abaribe said. “The issue is not about individuals but the way the government has turned into a system where the president can do no wrong.”
He argued that dissenting opinions are being treated as acts of disloyalty, insisting that effective governance requires openness to criticism. “That’s not how to run a government. You run a government by people challenging your views,” he said.
The senator also criticised what he described as the involvement of the president’s family in governance, stressing that Nigeria operates a democratic system, not a monarchy.
Referring to Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, Abaribe said, “Throughout Peter Obi’s time as governor, did you ever hear about his children or his wife? This is a democracy. You don’t put your family in the public space or allow them to use state resources.”
Abaribe further distanced himself from the popular “on your mandate” chant associated with support for President Tinubu, saying he has never participated in it.
“When the budget is presented at the National Assembly, we stand for the national anthem. If others choose to sing the mandate song, I remain seated,” he added.
