Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu Over Failing Economy, Insecurity And Betrayal Of June 12 Ideals

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, accusing him of politicizing governance while millions of Nigerians face deepening poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, Obi said the nation is in a depressing state, with democratic principles steadily eroding under Tinubu’s administration.

“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,” Obi said.

He noted that despite Tinubu’s prominent role in the June 12 pro-democracy movement, his governance does not reflect the ideals championed by the late Chief MKO Abiola and others who fought for freedom and justice.

Obi painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s current condition, citing alarming statistics and on-the-ground realities. According to him, poverty has worsened significantly under Tinubu’s watch.

“In 2023, about 38.9% of Nigerians lived below the poverty line, but it has now increased to 54%. Less than 10% of primary healthcare centres across the country are functioning,” he said.

Drawing from personal visits to states across the country, Obi described maternity wards in dire conditions, warning that childbirth has now become a life-threatening risk.

“Giving birth is now a 50/50 chance for both mother and child,” he lamented.

He also highlighted the spiraling hunger crisis, which he said has forced many into “professional begging,” while mental health issues affect over 20 million Nigerians, according to recent WHO data.

On the economy, Obi slammed the federal government’s borrowing habits, warning that public debt has skyrocketed without corresponding improvements in the lives of citizens.

“Nigeria’s debt now stands at ₦188 trillion, yet corruption is at an all-time high. The National Assembly is blatantly padding the 2025 budget, and Nigerians now pay more tariffs for more darkness,” he said, referencing the worsening power supply.

He reminded Nigerians of Tinubu’s campaign promise to fix power within four years or not seek re-election, suggesting that little progress has been made.

Obi also took aim at the president’s travel record, saying, “In two years, the president has spent over 150 days outside the country. If he spent the same amount of time visiting Nigerians in their communities, he would have seen the suffering first-hand.”

Calling for urgent reforms, Obi urged President Tinubu to uphold the rule of law, ensure transparency, and prioritize security so farmers can return to their land. He also appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful and called for bold steps to revive local manufacturing and ease the cost of production.

“Our country is at a crossroads,” he said, “but we must not give up. The future of our democracy depends on holding our leaders accountable.”