Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu’s Reforms, Claims Policies Plunged Over 50 Million Nigerians into Deeper Poverty

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has launched a fierce criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the much debated reforms have not only failed to stabilize the nation but have actively driven over 50 million Nigerians into deeper poverty.

Obi backed his sharp assessment by referencing a recent World Bank report which indicates that the total number of Nigerians living in poverty has soared to a staggering 139 million. This represents a massive increase from the 87 million citizens recorded below the poverty line when the current administration came into power.

The opposition leader stated that this devastating jump is a “heartbreaking reflection of how deeply our nation is failing its citizens,” emphasizing that these figures directly correspond to the difficult economic reality faced by the average Nigerian household.

The Failure of Current Policy

The former Anambra State governor argued that the core problem lies not with the initial shock of reforms like the fuel subsidy removal, but with the government’s subsequent approach to managing the revenue gains. He stressed that the reforms are proving ineffective due to a lack of a clear, coherent plan and insufficient determination to channel the supposed benefits into feasible and productive sectors.

Obi further accused the administration of prioritizing consumption over production, calling this a continued failure to shift the national focus from wasteful spending to investment in sectors that create sustainable jobs and wealth.

Obi’s Demand: A People Focused Emergency

Obi lamented that this devastating revelation has not led to an “emergency and national discussion,” but has instead been met with government rebuttals, a response he says ignores the daily realities of hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

He urged the administration to immediately adopt a transparent and people focused agenda. This includes implementing deliberate policies to bolster small businesses and local agricultural production while significantly investing in education and healthcare.

Obi concluded that no country can truly thrive when the majority of its citizens are trapped in such dire conditions. He demanded that any claimed economic progress must translate into verifiable and measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.