Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent remarks on hunger in Nigeria, describing the statement as insensitive to the worsening economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
In a statement released on Friday, Obi said he was concerned by Tinubu’s comments to Catholic bishops that hunger had always existed in Nigeria, even before he was born.
According to Obi, while hunger has long been a reality in the country, the President’s remarks failed to reflect the severity of the current economic situation confronting Nigerians.
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“I watched with deep concern the statement made by President Bola Tinubu to the Catholic Bishops who visited his office, that there has always been hunger in Nigeria, even before he was born.
“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. More importantly, we must focus on the facts and the measurable outcomes of governance,” he said.
Obi argued that food insecurity had worsened significantly since the current administration assumed office in 2023.
According to him, about 17 million Nigerians were facing acute food insecurity before the present administration took office, but the figure has now risen to about 35 million.
“Instead of improving the situation, the crisis has worsened significantly under the current administration,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor also claimed that poverty levels had increased during the period, alleging that the number of Nigerians living in extreme poverty had risen from an estimated 87 million in 2023 to nearly 140 million.
He acknowledged that the Tinubu administration inherited major economic and security challenges but insisted that leadership should be assessed by its ability to improve conditions.
“No one disputes that this administration inherited serious challenges. However, leadership is measured not by the challenges inherited but by the results achieved.
“The government must honestly acknowledge that its response has fallen far short of what the situation demanded, with millions more Nigerians pushed deeper into poverty and hunger,” Obi said.
He attributed the worsening situation to persistent insecurity, poor economic management, fiscal indiscipline, wasteful public spending and inadequate investment in productive sectors.
Obi urged the Federal Government to prioritise investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, security and support for small businesses, while implementing policies that would create jobs, boost production and reduce poverty.
“A responsible government must prioritise investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and small businesses while pursuing policies that create jobs, expand production, and lift people out of poverty. That remains my commitment to the Nigerian people,” he added.