Tinubu's Economic Claims Under Fire from Obi

Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over the economic claims made by President Bola Tinubu's administration. According to Obi, despite the reported increase in government revenue, the country is experiencing worsening economic hardship due to rising debt and declining socio-economic indicators. In a statement, Obi noted that President Tinubu had listed an increase in revenue from N16.8 trillion in 2022 to N35 trillion in 2025 as one of his administration's achievements. However, Obi argued that instead of reducing borrowing, the administration had continued to engage in what he described as 'excessive and imprudent borrowing', with Nigeria's total debt now standing at about N200 trillion. Obi further stated that Nigeria had recorded higher-than-budgeted revenue inflows due to global and regional geopolitical tensions, but key socio-economic indicators had worsened despite the reported revenue and debt increases. He alleged that multidimensional poverty had risen from 87 million people in 2023 to over 140 million in 2025, while unemployment had increased and GDP per capita had declined from $1,597 in 2023 to $1,223 in 2025. Obi called for a detailed and transparent explanation of Nigeria's economic and financial management since 2023 and urged an end to what he termed 'imprudent, unaccountable, and opaque management' of public resources. The Presidency has dismissed Obi's claims, arguing that a significant portion of the country's debt profile predated the current administration. Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, maintained that Nigeria's public debt figures include obligations incurred by state governments over the years and should not be attributed solely to the Federal Government.