The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain how the ₦5.8tn reportedly saved from the removal of petrol subsidy and the more than $100bn borrowed by his administration have been spent.
He demanded evidence that the living conditions of Nigerians have improved.
Obi asked the President to disclose how many Nigerians have been lifted out of poverty, how many out-of-school children have returned to classrooms, and how many functional primary healthcare centres have been established since the administration took office.
He also asked for figures on improvements in electricity supply, as well as an account of what the government has done with its increased tax revenues and other additional earnings.
The former Anambra State governor made the demands in a statement titled “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability,” which he posted on his X handle on Saturday.
The statement followed Tinubu’s remarks at a campaign rally in Akwa Ibom State on Friday. There, the President mocked Obi for allegedly “running away from the erosion crisis” in Anambra State during his time as governor.
Obi urged the President to visit other parts of the country and engage directly with citizens on how his administration has performed.
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 argued that the resources available to the government should translate into measurable improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
Questioning the administration’s performance in the power sector, Obi recalled Tinubu’s earlier promise that Nigerians should not vote for him if he failed to fix electricity 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.
On security, the NDC candidate asked Tinubu to explain what his government has done to secure the country. He argued that Nigeria remains among the countries facing severe terrorism threats.
“Mr President, Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government,” he added.
