The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain how his administration has utilised the reported ₦15.8tn savings from petrol subsidy removal and more than $100bn in borrowed funds.
Obi also demanded evidence of improvements in Nigerians’ living conditions, asking the President to provide figures on poverty reduction, school enrolment, primary healthcare facilities and electricity supply.
He further sought clarification on how the government had spent increased tax revenues and other additional income generated since taking office.
The former Anambra State governor made the demands in a statement published on his X account on Saturday, titled, “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability.”
His comments followed Tinubu’s remarks at an All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Akwa Ibom State on Friday, where the President mocked Obi for allegedly “running away from the erosion crisis” during his time as governor.
Obi urged Tinubu to extend his engagements beyond Akwa Ibom by visiting other parts of the country and speaking directly with Nigerians about his administration’s performance.
The former governor said, “I sincerely hope this visit will inspire you to travel to the remaining 33 states of the federation, spend time with the people and, more importantly, explain what your administration has done with the N15.8tn saved from the removal of fuel subsidy, the over $100bn you have borrowed, the increased revenues accruing to the government from taxing Nigerians, and the additional government revenues which your administration celebrated last year as having surpassed its target.”
He maintained that the substantial resources available to the government should result in visible improvements in the welfare and living standards of citizens.
On electricity, Obi recalled Tinubu’s previous promise that Nigerians should not vote for him if he failed to improve power supply.
“Nigerians deserve to know how many that were pulled out of poverty within this period, how many out-of-school children were returned to school, and how many functional primary healthcare centres you have built.
“They also deserve an explanation of how much electricity supply has improved, especially given your promise that if you do not fix power, Nigerians should not vote for you,” he said.
The NDC candidate also questioned the administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity, arguing that Nigeria continued to face serious threats from terrorism.
“Mr President, Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government,” he added.
Obi’s demand for accountability comes amid renewed political exchanges between him and Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.