Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the economy, stating that his administration’s policies have been ineffective.
Speaking in an interview on Arise News Prime Time on Tuesday, Obi criticized Tinubu’s decision to float the naira without boosting productivity. He also condemned the rising debt profile under Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that the cost of debt servicing now surpasses budget allocations for critical sectors such as health and education.
Obi asserted that if he were president, Nigeria would have seen drastic improvements in two years. According to him, his focus would have been on increasing productivity, tackling corruption, and cutting the cost of governance.
“The President has been in office for nearly two years, and look at the state of things. This proves that change is possible within a short period. If I were there, you would have seen significant progress in critical areas. I would ensure borrowed funds are invested in essential sectors,” Obi said.
He further criticized the high-interest rates under Tinubu’s government, saying they have made it difficult for businesses to thrive.
“Our country’s debt has surged from about N17 trillion to over N170 trillion in two years. Meanwhile, our healthcare and education sectors remain underfunded. Over 70% of our primary healthcare centers are not functional. If I were in charge, I would prioritize fixing them,” he added.
Obi: I’m Not Desperate for Power, but for Nigeria to Work
Despite speculations about his political future, Obi confirmed he remains a Labour Party member and is working with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, to improve Nigeria.
“I am not desperate to become president. My desperation is to see Nigeria function properly. Too many Nigerians are struggling just to afford a meal. We need leadership that prioritizes productivity and economic stability,” Obi stated.
He also blamed the federal government for the crisis within the Labour Party, claiming that the political space in Nigeria does not allow opposition to thrive.
Obi condemned the handling of the Rivers State political crisis, criticizing the federal government for creating an environment where democracy is weakened.
“There is no real democracy without an independent judiciary and legislature. We are seeing political intimidation, opposition harassment, and restrictions on free speech. This is not how a democracy should function,” he said.
On his possible candidacy in the 2027 elections, Obi remained non-committal but emphasized that any political coalition he joins must focus on national development rather than just seizing power.
“I am part of the coalition, but it’s not just about winning elections. We must focus on fixing Nigeria—investing in education, healthcare, and productivity. That is what matters,” he concluded.
