‘Tinubu’s comment on hunger insensitive’ — Peter Obi
Obi Criticizes Tinubu’s Comments on Hunger in Nigeria
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 elections, has condemned President Bola Tinubu for remarks about hunger in the country. Obi’s criticism follows comments made by Tinubu during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In his statement, Tinubu suggested that hunger has always been a part of life in Nigeria, a sentiment that Obi found troubling. “While it is true that hunger has been a part of human life and has existed in our country for decades, such a statement appears insensitive to the plight of the millions of Nigerians who face worsening economic hardship today,” Obi stated.
Obi highlighted the escalating economic challenges since Tinubu took office in 2023. He reported that the number of Nigerians facing acute food insecurity has surged from about 17 million to approximately 35 million. Additionally, he noted that those living in extreme poverty have increased from an estimated 87 million to nearly 140 million, claiming Nigeria now has the highest rate of extreme poverty globally.
“Leadership is measured not by the challenges inherited but by the results achieved,” Obi remarked, emphasizing the need for the government to acknowledge its shortcomings in responding to these crises.
He attributed the deteriorating conditions to ongoing insecurity, poor economic management, and inadequate investment in vital sectors. Obi urged the Federal Government to prioritize investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and support for small businesses, asserting that such initiatives are crucial for job creation and poverty reduction across the nation.
