‘Tinubu Has Made History As President Who Produced Most Poor People’ — Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over rising poverty in the country, describing him as the president who has produced the highest number of poor people in Nigeria’s history.

Obi also questioned the impact of the billions of naira borrowed by the Tinubu administration, asking what Nigerians had gained from the loans.

The former Anambra State governor spoke on Monday night at the ongoing NDC inauguration, where he criticised Tinubu’s recent presidential campaign rally in Kaduna State.

He accused the President of blaming opposition politicians rather than explaining what his administration had achieved since assuming office in May 2023.

Obi said he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would focus on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than shifting blame to others.

“We are not going to blame anybody. We are not being hired to blame anyone. We are being hired to solve problems,” he said.

The NDC candidate’s remarks come amid growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures challenging the Tinubu administration over the cost of living, poverty and the impact of its economic policies.

Tinubu’s administration has defended its economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, as necessary measures to stabilise the economy and improve public finances.

Obi’s comments add to the opposition’s criticism of the government’s handling of the economy, particularly the extent to which its policies have translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

He did not provide figures during the remarks cited to substantiate his claim about the number of people pushed into poverty under Tinubu’s presidency.