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Political commentator Isaac Fayose has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his current vacation, arguing that the President should be more focused on the concerns of Nigerians as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
Fayose reportedly made the remarks while comparing Tinubu’s three-week working vacation in Europe with the activities of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who has been travelling across the country to engage directly with Nigerians and hear their concerns. Obi recently said he was going around the country to “hear from the masses directly” as part of his political engagements ahead of 2027.
Taking a hard line against the President, Fayose questioned Tinubu’s capacity to continue leading the country and called for his removal from office. His comments have added another voice to the growing political criticism surrounding the President’s absence from the country at a time when Nigeria is dealing with economic, security and social challenges.The criticism comes after the Presidency defended Tinubu’s three-week European working vacation, explaining that the President needed time to rest and recharge after months of intensive engagements. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said the break would allow Tinubu to “refuel” ahead of the demanding political period leading into the 2027 election season.
Fayose, however, sees the situation differently. By placing Tinubu’s vacation side by side with Obi’s nationwide engagements, he sought to portray a sharp contrast between a President taking time away and an opposition figure moving from one community to another to listen to ordinary Nigerians.
Peter Obi’s ongoing grassroots engagements have already become part of the political conversation ahead of 2027. During a recent visit to Kogi State, he said his tour was aimed at hearing directly from Nigerians about their problems, expectations and the kind of leadership they desire.
The political temperature is already rising ahead of the next presidential election, with supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition figures trading arguments over Tinubu’s performance, economic reforms and the strength of the emerging opposition.
Fayose’s latest comments are therefore unlikely to end the debate. If anything, they add more fuel to an already heated 2027 political contest, where the question of leadership, competence and who can best connect with ordinary Nigerians is expected to dominate the conversation.
For now, the contrasting images remain striking: Tinubu taking a break from the country while his administration says he is recharging for the work ahead, and Obi travelling around Nigeria in search of direct conversations with citizens. How voters interpret that contrast could become another talking point as 2027 draws closer.
