Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has delivered a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, sarcastically praising him for keeping his campaign promise to continue where former President Muhammadu Buhari left off. Obi, who was in Bauchi on Thursday for a meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed, condemned the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria and stressed the urgent need to shift focus from tribal and religious politics to competent governance.
Speaking candidly, Obi pointed out how Tinubu’s policies have led to skyrocketing inflation, a devalued naira, and an overall decline in the standard of living. He mocked the administration by acknowledging that Tinubu had indeed fulfilled his pledge to maintain Buhari’s economic trajectory.
“Tinubu promised to continue where Buhari stopped. If you look at it, Buhari left the dollar at about N400, today it is about N1,500. Rice was about N40,000, it is now over N100,000. Fuel was about N300, it is now over N1,000. I can go on and on—everything has doubled and tripled. So, he has done exactly as he promised,” Obi remarked.
Drawing comparisons between Nigeria and Indonesia, Obi highlighted how economic policies and governance have vastly different outcomes in the two nations. He referenced Indonesia’s economic progress over the last decade, contrasting it with Nigeria’s declining financial situation.
“In Indonesia, a president was sworn in about the same time as another one in Nigeria. Ten years later, Indonesia moved their GDP from $800 billion to $1.3 trillion, and their per capita income from $3,000 to $5,000. Here in Nigeria, our GDP fell from $500 billion to $200 billion, and per capita income dropped from $3,500 to below $2,000, that is the difference,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor further stressed the need to revive Nigeria’s ailing industries, increase investments in education and healthcare, and transition from a consumption-driven economy to a productive one. He noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without competent leadership that prioritizes economic growth over political maneuvering.
Obi’s visit to Governor Bala Mohammed was part of a broader engagement with key political figures to address Nigeria’s mounting challenges. He reiterated that the focus must be on the needs of ordinary Nigerians rather than the interests of political elites who manipulate ethnic and religious sentiments for personal gain.
“We have just started discussions. You can’t consummate a marriage in one day. But the most important thing is that our thoughts are centered on issues that affect the ordinary Nigerian. We want a Nigeria where a child of nobody can become somebody. We will eliminate the elite conspiracy that uses tribalism and religion to divide the people. We have voted for tribe and religion before; now, we must vote for competence and capacity,” Obi declared.
Governor Bala Mohammed echoed Obi’s sentiments, emphasizing that their political collaboration transcends party affiliations and personal ambitions. He criticized the current administration’s divisive approach and called for a governance strategy based on unity, knowledge, and national interest.
“Our collaboration is beyond party, religion, and personal interests. The government in power thrives on division, but we will use knowledge, strategy, and unity to build a better Nigeria,” Governor Mohammed stated.
Obi’s latest comments and political engagements signal a growing coalition among opposition figures who are positioning themselves as an alternative to the ruling administration. As Nigeria faces economic hardship, rising inflation, and declining investor confidence, the opposition is intensifying its call for leadership that prioritizes national progress and citizen welfare. With future elections on the horizon, political realignments are beginning to take shape, and the battle for Nigeria’s economic and political future is gaining momentum.
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