Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over rising corruption and unchecked borrowing. He said Nigeria is now a “crime scene” under Tinubu’s leadership.
Obi made the remarks on Thursday while addressing journalists during the June 12 Democracy Day commemoration.
“Corruption is at its worst in this administration,” he said. “Nigeria has now become a crime scene. The government has borrowed more in two years than Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari did combined.”
Obi also questioned the country’s rising debt profile. He expressed concern that there are no clear improvements in education, healthcare, or poverty reduction.
“Nigeria’s public debt is now close to N188 trillion. We were told these borrowings would fund critical development, but the results are not visible,” he added.
According to the Debt Management Office, the nation’s debt rose by N57.3 trillion in the first 18 months of Tinubu’s tenure. This marks a 65.6% increase from the previous N87.38 trillion record.
In May, Tinubu asked the National Assembly to approve fresh loans totalling N40.5 trillion. This request came amid a worsening economy and rising public frustration.
Obi advised Tinubu to stop travelling abroad and instead visit states across Nigeria to understand what citizens are facing.
“Mr. President, you’ve spent about 150 days outside Nigeria. Touring all 36 states for two days each would take just 72 days. That’s less than half the time you’ve spent overseas. It’s time to stop remote-control governance,” he said.
Tinubu Defends Economic Plans Amid Criticism
President Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech, defended his economic policies. He said the GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, with the fourth quarter hitting 4.6%—the best in over ten years.
He also claimed that inflation is easing and that food prices, including rice and beans, are stabilising.
“We are investing in infrastructure, ports, rail, and power. These efforts will create a better environment for industry and manufacturing,” Tinubu stated.
At the time of filing this report, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga had not responded to Obi’s comments.
