Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a “Kabiyesi” government where the president is treated as infallible.

Speaking on Channels Television, Abaribe lamented that Tinubu is now regarded as someone who can do no wrong, with his decisions accepted without question. He accused the president of lacking the competence to effectively run the country, insisting that former presidential candidate Peter Obi would perform better.

“There are many Nigerians who are democrats and can run this country, like Peter Obi, and he will be my candidate,” Abaribe said. “The issue is not about one individual, but the way the entire government has turned into a Kabiyesi system where the president can do no wrong and everything he says is accepted.”

He stressed that such an approach undermines democratic governance, noting that effective leadership thrives on debate and opposing viewpoints. According to him, dissenting opinions within the current administration are often treated as acts of disloyalty.

“That’s not how to run a government. A government should allow people to challenge its views. Today, any opinion that questions the government is seen as treason,” he added.

Abaribe also criticised what he described as the growing involvement of Tinubu’s family in government affairs, emphasising that Nigeria operates a democracy, not a monarchy.

He contrasted this with Peter Obi’s tenure as Anambra State governor, saying, “Throughout Obi’s time in office, did you ever hear about his children or his wife? This is a country, not a monarch. You don’t put your family in the public space or allow them to make use of state resources.”

The senator further dismissed claims that he supports or participates in singing the popular “On Your Mandate” song associated with Tinubu.

“I have never sung it and I will never sing it,” Abaribe said. “When the budget is presented at the National Assembly, I stand for the national anthem. If others choose to play the mandate song, I remain seated and do not join them.”