Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu Administration, Shares Vision for Change

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has once again voiced his concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it has failed to fulfill several promises made to the Nigerian people.

After nearly two years in office, Obi argues that the Tinubu government has yet to make a noticeable impact on the lives of Nigerians. He expressed his views during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time program on the evening of April 1, 2025.

Obi emphasized that if he were president, significant changes would have been evident in crucial sectors within the same timeframe. He specifically mentioned his commitment to tackling corruption and reducing governance costs in a way that ordinary Nigerians would recognize.

“The current president has been in office for two years, and look at where we stand,” Obi remarked. “This shows that change is possible within that period. If I were there, you would have seen tangible improvements in key areas. I would have confronted corruption directly and reduced governance costs, so people would feel the difference.”

He also highlighted the need for better investment in the healthcare sector, noting that around 70% of primary healthcare facilities are currently inoperative. Obi criticized the government’s spending priorities, pointing out that over N35 billion was allocated for a conference center, questioning its necessity. “You need to invest your resources wisely,” he added. “Rather than spending on a conference center, you should see borrowed funds directed toward critical areas.”

Using Bangladesh as a benchmark, Obi illustrated his vision for Nigeria’s agricultural potential, particularly in rice production. “Bangladesh, with just 148,000 km² of land, produces about 60 million metric tons of rice,” he stated. “In contrast, with over six times that amount, Nigeria struggles to produce even 10% of that.”

Obi’s remarks underscore his belief that a different leadership approach could lead to significant improvements in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.