Peter Obi Pressures Tinubu for Answers on Poverty Eradication, Resource Utilisation

Peter Obi, the presidential flagbearer for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu to provide a clear account of the number of Nigerians who have transitioned out of poverty since the inception of his administration. Obi further pressed the President for details on the reintegration of out-of-school children into educational institutions and the construction of operational primary healthcare facilities, emphasizing that citizens are entitled to understand the tangible effects of public funds on their welfare.

In a communiqué shared on his X platform this past Saturday, titled 'Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability,' Obi asserted that President Tinubu must render an account of the financial assets at his government's disposal. These resources, according to Obi, include the ₦15.8 trillion reportedly saved following the elimination of the petrol subsidy, over $100 billion acquired through loans, and the heightened tax revenues and government income that the administration proudly announced had exceeded its targets last year.

Obi's remarks came after President Tinubu's recent overnight visit to Akwa Ibom State, a location distinct from the traditional power hubs of Lagos and Abuja. The former Anambra State governor seized this opportunity to reiterate his appeal for the President to tour other regions of the nation and articulate his administration's achievements. Obi extended his congratulations, stating, 'I congratulate you on spending a night in one of Nigeria’s states outside Lagos and Abuja. I hope you enjoyed the warmth, hospitality, and delicious cuisine of Akwa Ibom.' He expressed optimism that this particular visit would encourage President Tinubu to explore the remaining 33 states, engage directly with the populace, and provide insights into his government's performance.

He further articulated, 'I sincerely hope this visit will inspire you to travel to the remaining 33 states of the federation, spend time with the people and, more importantly, explain what your administration has done with the ₦15.8 trillion saved from the removal of fuel subsidy, the over $100 billion you have borrowed, the increased revenues accruing to the government from taxing Nigerians, and the additional government revenues which your administration celebrated last year as having surpassed its target,' Obi emphasized.

The former governor additionally scrutinized the administration's efficacy in addressing electricity provision and national security. He specifically referenced President Tinubu's earlier pledge, where the President stated that citizens should withhold their votes if he failed to resolve the nation's power issues. Obi reiterated, 'Nigerians deserve to know how many that were pulled out of poverty within this period, how many out-of-school children were returned to school, and how many functional primary healthcare centres you have built.' He continued, 'They also deserve an explanation of how much electricity supply has improved, especially given your promise that if you do not fix power, Nigerians should not vote for you.' Obi also called for an account of the government's strategies for enhancing national security, noting Nigeria's continued classification among the world's most terrorized nations.

He firmly concluded, 'Mr President, Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government.' The presidential hopeful stressed that the stewardship of public funds must be anchored on principles of accountability, transparency, and demonstrable improvements in the quality of life for all citizens.

Obi, who previously served as the governor of Anambra State, ran in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party banner, securing approximately 6.1 million votes and placing third. He subsequently aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, which officially endorsed him as its presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2027 elections in May. His running mate is former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

This recent statement emerges just two months ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election, slated for January 16, 2027. In this contest, Obi is set to challenge the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu, who is vying for re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress. The electoral discourse is currently unfolding against a backdrop of intense public discussion concerning the repercussions of the government's economic policies, especially the removal of the petrol subsidy and its subsequent influence on the cost of living.