The presidency has fired back at former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s failure to visit Yelewata in Benue State, where recent attacks left many dead.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, didn’t mince words. He argued that popular social critic Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, has shown more empathy than Obi—despite not holding any political office.

“VeryDarkMan has more empathy than Peter Obi,” Bwala said. “He’s not a politician, yet he went to Benue. Why must Obi wait until he becomes president before visiting such places? Empathy is personal.”

Bwala went on to describe Obi as an “internally displaced politician,” accusing him of chasing power without understanding what leadership truly entails.

He dismissed Obi’s argument that Tinubu should have personally visited Yelewata, pointing out that the president governs through various representatives, including the Vice President, ministers, security chiefs, and heads of agencies, in line with Nigeria’s constitution.

“If the president went to Benue but not Yelewata, would that have made a difference? The shifting of goalposts by Obi and the opposition shows they lack substance,” Bwala remarked.

He also noted that security chiefs, the National Security Adviser, and other top officials have been visiting crisis areas on behalf of the president, reinforcing the fact that Tinubu’s government is actively responding to security concerns across the country.

Bwala’s comments underline the presidency’s frustration with criticisms from opposition figures, especially as tensions rise over insecurity in various parts of Nigeria. While the debate continues, many Nigerians are left hoping that beyond the war of words, concrete actions will bring lasting peace to troubled communities like Yelewata.