Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of playing politics at the expense of good governance and failing to address Nigeria’s deepening economic and social crises.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, Obi expressed concern over the direction of the country, stating that the administration has fallen short of democratic ideals despite President Tinubu’s involvement in the fight to restore democracy in Nigeria.
“It is deeply troubling that under the current administration, Nigeria cannot truly be described as a democracy,” Obi said. “The state of the nation is depressing—our economy and security are at an all-time low, and key indicators such as healthcare, education, and productivity are in decline.”
The former Anambra State governor began by honouring the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, acknowledging his sacrifice for the nation’s democratic progress. However, Obi lamented what he described as a stark contrast between the ideals fought for during the democratic struggle and the reality under the present administration.
He pointed to rising poverty levels and a deteriorating healthcare system as evidence of governance failure. “In 2023, about 38.9% of Nigerians lived below the poverty line. Today, that figure has surged to 54%. Less than 10% of primary healthcare centres are functioning,” he noted. “During visits to various states over the past six months, I have had to make direct interventions in maternity wards where childbirth is a 50-50 chance for both mother and child.”
Obi also highlighted worsening food insecurity, describing it as a national emergency. “Hunger is at an all-time high, and people are resorting to professional begging to survive,” he said, citing a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report that over 20 million Nigerians are now battling mental health challenges due to economic hardship.
He further criticised the government’s borrowing strategy, noting that Nigeria’s debt has ballooned to ₦188 trillion, without corresponding improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “Despite borrowing heavily, the funds have not been used to better the lot of the people. Corruption is at an all-time high, and the 2025 national budget has been openly padded by the National Assembly,” Obi stated.
On the state of power supply, Obi referenced President Tinubu’s campaign promise that if electricity was not significantly improved within four years, he should not be re-elected. “Yet, Nigerians are now paying higher electricity tariffs for more darkness,” he said.
Obi concluded by warning that ongoing political manoeuvring, barely halfway into the current administration’s tenure, signals that attention has already shifted to the next general election instead of addressing the urgent needs of Nigerians.
The press conference forms part of a broader critique by opposition voices on the state of the nation as Nigeria marks another year of democratic governance since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
