Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of hypocrisy and playing politics instead of working to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Obi stated this while addressing a press conference on Thursday in Abuja as Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12.
He expressed concern about the country’s economic and security situation, citing the rising poverty rates, poor healthcare, and food insecurity, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities.
‘It is deeply troubling that under the current administration, Nigeria cannot be said to be in a democracy, even though the current president was part of the struggle to bring back democracy.
“The state of the nation is depressing as the economy and security are at an all-time low, and even key indicators for measuring national progress like health care, education and production
‘In 2023, about 38.9 per cent of Nigerians lived below the poverty line, but it has now increased to 54 per cent. Less than 10 per cent of primary health care centres across the country are functioning.
”I have travelled to several states in the last six months and I have had to make interventions in maternity wards where giving birth is a 50/50 chance of survival for both mother and child , ” Obi said.
He noted that Nigeria’s debt has ballooned to N188 trillion, with little to show for it in terms of improved living standards.
“Due to this, the World Health Organisation released a report saying over 20 million Nigerians have mental health issues.
”Instead of the current administration finding succour to the economic challenges, it has borrowed so much money that Nigeria’s debt is now N188 trillion.
“Yet such monies have not been used to better the lot of the people as corruption is now at an all-time high, with the national assembly blatantly padding the 2025 budget.
“Nigerians now pay more tariffs for more darkness. This is against the president’s promise during his campaign, where he said if he didn’t give Nigerians power in four years, they should not vote for him for a second term, ” said.
Obi accused the President Tinubu-led administration of corruption, citing the national assembly’s alleged padding of the 2025 budget.
Obi urged President Tinubu to prioritise the rule of law and transparency to restore democracy.
He called for urgent action to tackle insecurity, enabling farmers to return to their farms and boosting agriculture.
Obi also urged the president to help manufacturers reduce production costs to stimulate economic growth.
He criticised Tinubu for spending more time abroad than engaging with Nigerians and understanding their struggles firsthand.
