Nigeria's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to disclose the number of Nigerians lifted out of poverty since his administration took office. In a statement on his social media handle, Obi titled "Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability," he requested that the President provide an update on the impact of public resources on Nigerians' lives. This includes the number of out-of-school children who have returned to school and the number of functional primary healthcare centers built.
Obi's statement follows Tinubu's recent visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he spent the night outside of Lagos and Abuja. Obi used the opportunity to renew his call for the President to visit other parts of the country and explain his administration's record. Obi congratulated Tinubu on his visit, expressing hope that it would inspire him to travel to the remaining 33 states and engage with Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor questioned the administration's performance in various sectors, including electricity and security. He recalled Tinubu's promise to fix the power supply, saying Nigerians should not vote for him if he failed. Obi asked the President to explain how his government had improved electricity supply and secured the country, which still ranks among the most terrorized countries in the world.
Obi also requested that the President account for the resources available to his government, including the ₦15.8 trillion saved from the removal of the petrol subsidy and over $100 billion in loans. He listed increased tax revenues and government earnings that surpassed the administration's target last year among the resources requiring explanation.
The presidential candidate emphasized that accountability, transparency, and measurable improvements in citizens' lives should guide the management of public resources. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, finishing third with about 6.1 million votes.
Obi's statement comes about two months before Nigeria's next presidential election, scheduled for January 16, 2027. He will challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. The election campaign is taking place amid public debate over the impact of the government's economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and its effect on living costs.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate's call for transparency reflects growing public concerns about the government's handling of public resources. Obi's running mate is former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the party ratified him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election in May.
Key points
- Peter Obi challenges President Tinubu to disclose number of Nigerians lifted out of poverty
- Obi requests update on out-of-school children returned to school and functional primary healthcare centers built
- The call for transparency reflects growing public concerns about the government's handling of public resources
