The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to account for the billions of naira borrowed by his administration, accusing him of blaming political opponents instead of explaining his economic record to Nigerians.
The Press Nigeria reports that Obi made the remarks on Monday during the inauguration of the NDC’s campaign council in Kaduna State, following Tinubu’s criticism of opposition candidates at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off in the state on Saturday.
At the event, Tinubu accused his opponents in the 2027 presidential election of being responsible for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did! To you, the children of our country, it’s a promise of a second term prosperity; you will not regret it,” the President said.
Reacting, Obi questioned why Tinubu had not adequately explained how the funds borrowed by his administration had been utilised or what Nigerians had gained from government budgets between 2023 and 2025.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised the administration over the country’s rising poverty levels, claiming that Tinubu had presided over an unprecedented increase in the number of poor Nigerians.
“He has made history as the president who has produced the highest number of poor people according to the recent report,” Obi said.
He argued that rather than blaming opposition politicians for the economic hardship, the President should explain his government’s spending decisions, borrowing and achievements since assuming office.
Obi further said that he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would concentrate on addressing Nigeria’s challenges instead of engaging in political blame games.
“Just last Saturday, Tinubu was launching his second-term campaign. Rather than explain to Nigerians what he used all the billions he borrowed for, or what he achieved with the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, he blamed other people,” he said.
The exchange highlights the growing confrontation between the ruling APC and opposition parties as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Tinubu has promised a second term focused on prosperity, Obi is demanding greater accountability for public borrowing and measurable improvements in Nigerians’ living conditions.
