Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Not Working, Says Peter Obi

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying that its much-celebrated economic reforms have failed to reduce poverty in Nigeria.

Obi’s reaction followed a recent World Bank report released on October 8, 2025, which revealed that about 139 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, an increase from 87 million in 2023.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi blamed the worsening poverty on what he described as “faulty policies and lack of clear economic direction” by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

> “In two years under the APC regime, over 50 million Nigerians have been pushed into poverty,” Obi wrote. “This is a heartbreaking reflection of how deeply our nation is failing its citizens.”

The former governor lamented that instead of treating the report as a national emergency, the government chose to defend itself rather than confront the reality faced by millions of struggling Nigerians.

According to him, despite several economic initiatives announced by the administration, the benefits have not translated into improved living conditions for the masses because the policies are not targeted toward productive sectors.

> “The World Bank revealed that despite the celebrated reforms, poverty in Nigeria continues to deepen. The problem is the absence of a coherent plan and the lack of will to channel resources into productive areas that truly benefit the people,” Obi said.

He called for “people-centered reforms” that prioritise production over consumption, empower small businesses and farmers, and invest significantly in education and healthcare.

> “No nation can truly rise when the majority of its people are trapped in poverty,” he added. “With the right leadership and deliberate planning, Nigeria can work for every citizen.”