Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain how his administration has utilised the trillions of naira reportedly saved from petrol subsidy removal, alongside more than $100 billion in borrowings and increased government revenues.
Obi made the demand in a statement published on his official X handle, titled “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability,” following Tinubu’s recent visit to Akwa Ibom State.
While acknowledging the President’s visit, Obi urged him to use the opportunity to embark on similar engagements across the remaining 33 states of the federation, where he could interact with Nigerians and provide a comprehensive account of his administration’s performance.
The NDC presidential candidate argued that Nigerians deserve more than political visits and public speeches, insisting that the government must explain what it has achieved with the enormous financial resources available to it since assuming office.
₦15.8 Trillion Savings, Over $100 Billion Borrowings
At the centre of Obi’s challenge is the ₦15.8 trillion reportedly saved following the removal of petrol subsidy, in addition to over $100 billion in borrowings, increased tax revenues and other government earnings.
He questioned why the substantial financial resources had not translated into visible improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
Obi also demanded explanations regarding additional government revenues, which the administration reportedly announced had exceeded its revenue targets in the previous year.
According to him, the critical issue is not merely how much money the government has generated or borrowed, but what tangible benefits Nigerians have received in return.
Where Are the Benefits to Nigerians?
Raising questions about the social impact of the administration’s economic policies, Obi asked the President to provide specific figures on the number of Nigerians lifted out of poverty, children returned to school and functional primary healthcare centres established.
He also questioned whether electricity supply had improved significantly despite Tinubu’s earlier promise to Nigerians that they should not vote for him if he failed to address the country’s persistent power challenges.
On security, Obi challenged the administration to explain its achievements in protecting lives and property, expressing concern over Nigeria’s continued struggle with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
He maintained that economic reforms and government revenue generation should ultimately be measured by their impact on citizens rather than official financial announcements.
Obi Demands Accountability, Not Excuses
The former Anambra governor stressed that public resources belong to Nigerians and must be managed transparently, with government officials accountable for every major financial decision.
“Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government,” Obi stated.
He argued that accountability, transparency and measurable development outcomes must remain the foundation of democratic governance.
Obi’s intervention comes amid growing public concerns over the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, unemployment, insecurity and the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerian households.
His questions also bring renewed attention to the government’s responsibility to demonstrate how the financial gains from subsidy removal, taxation and borrowing are translating into improved public services and better living conditions.
For millions of Nigerians struggling with rising food prices, transportation costs, electricity expenses and worsening economic pressures, the central question remains: If government revenues and borrowings have increased so substantially, where are the corresponding improvements in the lives of the people?
Obi insists that Nigerians deserve clear answers, verifiable figures and measurable results—not merely promises.
