The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has told President Bola Tinubu to address Nigerians over the protests by citizens against bad governance and harsh economic conditions.

Obi, in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, said Tinubu is the one people elected, not his aides, so he should be the one to address Nigerians at such a critical time.

He said the President’s address would douse the tension in the country generated by the protest.

The former Governor was quoted to have made the call from his home in Onitsha, Anambra State.

“My appeal is for the President to come out and address the nation, he is the one the people elected, holding their mandate, and he should not be using aides or appointees to reach the people at such critical times,” Obi said.

Obi also denied reports of him being in Abuja to support the protesters, noting that he can’t be in two places at a time.

“I am here in Onitsha; I can’t be here and be in Abuja,” Obi said.

The former LP candidate also called on the protesters to avoid violence and ensure their demands are pursued within the limits of the law.

For those who died in the course of the protest, Obi extended his condolences to the families. He also expressed sympathy to those who got injured and those who lost their property in the protest.