Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has taken a sharp jab at President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, sarcastically applauding him for keeping his promise to continue Buhari’s legacy.
During a visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Thursday, Obi dissected the state of Nigeria’s economy, arguing that the country needs to move past ethnic and religious politics and prioritize competence in leadership.
“Tinubu said he would continue where Buhari stopped. Well, Buhari left the dollar at about N400, today it’s around N1,500. Rice was N40,000, now it’s over N100,000. Fuel was N300, now it’s more than N1,000. Everything has doubled or tripled. So yes, he has kept his word,” Obi quipped.
Drawing comparisons with Indonesia, Obi pointed out how their government managed to grow their economy while Nigeria’s plummeted.
“In the last 10 years, Indonesia’s GDP grew from $800 billion to $1.3 trillion, and per capita income rose from $3,000 to $5,000. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s GDP fell from $500 billion to $200 billion, and per capita income dropped from $3,500 to below $2,000. That is the difference,” he explained.
He emphasized the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s industries, invest in education and healthcare, and shift governance towards productivity.
Obi’s visit to Governor Mohammed hints at a broader political alliance, with discussions focused on national unity, economic recovery, and leadership accountability ahead of future elections.
Governor Mohammed reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Our collaboration goes beyond party, religion, or personal interests. The government in power thrives on division, but we will counter it with knowledge, strategy, and unity to build a better Nigeria.”
Obi’s remarks have since ignited fresh debates on the state of Nigeria’s economy, with many viewing his satire as a bold critique of the current administration’s policies.
