Peter Obi Questions President Tinubu on Poverty and Public Accountability

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has called on President Bola Tinubu to share information about how many Nigerians have been lifted out of poverty since he took office. Obi made this request in a statement he shared on social media, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve to know how public resources are being used.

Obi also asked the President to report on the number of out-of-school children who have returned to education and how many new primary healthcare centers have been established. He pointed out that the public should understand the effects of government actions on their lives.

In his statement, Obi mentioned that Tinubu’s government has access to significant resources, including nearly ₦16 trillion saved from ending the petrol subsidy and over $100 billion in loans. He urged the President to clarify how these funds have been utilized, along with increased tax revenues that reportedly exceeded government targets last year.

Obi’s comments came after Tinubu spent a night in Akwa Ibom State, which is outside the major cities of Lagos and Abuja. Obi congratulated Tinubu on this visit and expressed hope that it would encourage the President to engage with citizens across all 33 states in Nigeria.

He reminded Tinubu of his promise to improve electricity supply and security, asking for updates on these issues as well. Obi stressed that Nigerians are entitled to answers about the government’s performance and the management of public funds.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Obi’s call for accountability highlights ongoing discussions about the government’s economic reforms, especially regarding the impact of the petrol subsidy removal on living costs. Obi, who previously ran for president in 2023, is set to challenge Tinubu again in the upcoming election.