President Tinubu Feeding Nigerians With Wrong Statistics, Unemployment And Inflation Figures - Obi Fires at President

 

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of misleading Nigerians with inaccurate economic data. Obi took to social media to express disappointment in the current administration’s handling of economic issues, stating that Tinubu has failed to deliver on his promises and has instead worsened the nation's poverty rate.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Obi recalled a statement made by Tinubu in November 2022 while campaigning in Delta State. At the time, Tinubu, who was then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed Obi’s emphasis on data and statistics. Rather than focusing on metrics, Tinubu declared his priority was to ensure Nigerians had food on their tables.

Now, nearly halfway through Tinubu’s four-year term, Obi argued that the reality on ground directly contradicts that promise. He noted that instead of feeding the people as promised, the administration has left Nigerians more vulnerable, with millions unsure of where their next meal will come from.

According to Obi, the country is now ranked among the hungriest in the world, with inflation and unemployment both surging while living conditions deteriorate. He suggested that the government’s strategy is to mask the severity of the situation by manipulating data.

Obi pointed to recent reports that the government has been presenting “wrong statistics,” alleging that the figures surrounding unemployment, inflation, and GDP growth have been deliberately altered to create a false sense of progress. He stressed that misleading the public with numbers does not improve the quality of life for average Nigerians.

“The government is now overfeeding Nigerians with false data. Wrong unemployment numbers, incorrect inflation stats, and now GDP rebasing to create a favorable image while households continue to struggle,” Obi wrote.

Rather than inspiring confidence, Obi contended that such tactics only deepen the public’s mistrust in leadership. He warned that real governance demands more than speeches and slogans. According to him, leadership should be built on the foundation of integrity, competence, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve the people.

Without naming Tinubu directly in every line, Obi made clear that his criticism was targeted at the current leadership, which he believes lacks the sincerity and capacity to transform Nigeria. His comments reflect ongoing frustrations with the economic direction the country has taken since the 2023 elections.

Many citizens have echoed similar sentiments as they contend with the rising cost of living. Basic food items have seen steep price hikes, unemployment remains high, and the purchasing power of the naira continues to decline. For a significant portion of the population, the promise of improved welfare remains far from reality.

Obi, who ran on a platform of economic reform and transparency, reminded Nigerians that governance should not be treated as an experiment or gamble. “It is not rocket science,” he said, emphasizing that sincere, focused leadership is what the nation desperately needs.

Supporters of Obi have rallied around his statement, reinforcing calls for accountability and transparency. Critics of Tinubu’s administration have used the opportunity to highlight what they view as broken campaign promises and lackluster policy implementation.

Observers note that Obi’s public statements are part of a broader political strategy to keep pressure on the ruling party, maintain visibility ahead of future elections, and continue positioning himself as a credible alternative in the political landscape.

While the presidency has yet to respond to Obi’s claims, the debate over the true state of the economy is likely to intensify. With more Nigerians becoming increasingly disillusioned with governance, public discourse may focus even more on the authenticity of official statistics and the real conditions facing households across the country.

As Obi concluded in his message, “A new Nigeria is POssible,” reinforcing his vision of transformative leadership rooted in values, competence, and compassion.