Abuja, Nigeria — A fresh exchange has emerged between the Presidency and NDC Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the state of poverty and economic conditions in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, criticised Obi’s repeated comments on poverty, arguing that the former Anambra State governor often discusses the issue without acknowledging the challenges that existed during his own administration.
In a post shared on his verified X account on Friday, Ajayi questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, claiming that poverty levels remained high during his eight years in office.
According to the presidential aide, Obi frequently speaks about poverty as though there is a simple solution that would immediately improve the economic situation if he were elected president.
“With the way Mr Peter Obi talks about poverty every day and makes it a sing-song, one would think he banished poverty in Anambra State for the eight years he was governor,” Ajayi wrote.
He added that Obi speaks as though he possesses “a magic wand” capable of eliminating poverty and making every Nigerian financially prosperous.
Obi Raises Concern Over Rising Poverty
Peter Obi, however, has continued to express concern about the country’s economic situation, maintaining that many Nigerians are struggling with rising poverty and hunger.
Speaking on the issue, the former Anambra state governor said the effects of the economic hardship are visible in communities across the country and called for urgent measures to improve the welfare of citizens.
“Every day poverty is increasing. Every day hunger is increasing. You don’t even need World Bank reports to know this because you can see it in the villages,” Obi said.
He further expressed concern over reports indicating that millions of Nigerians are experiencing food insecurity, urging leaders to prioritise policies aimed at improving living conditions and reducing hardship.
Continuing Political Debate
The differing views reflect the ongoing debate between the Tinubu administration and opposition figures over the country’s economic performance and strategies for addressing poverty.
While government officials have defended ongoing economic reforms as necessary for long-term growth, opposition leaders have continued to argue that more immediate interventions are needed to ease the burden on Nigerians facing rising living costs.
The exchange comes as discussions around the economy, poverty reduction and governance remain central issues in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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