…Says ex-LP presidential candidate has shallow understanding of governance, economics
…Ridicules Obi’s vague promise of ‘organised governance’
…Claims Obi’s fuel subsidy criticism is hypocritical, lack policy depth
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of lacking a credible governance strategy and being motivated solely by political ambition.
This sharp response followed Obi’s appearance on Arise Television on Monday, during which he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of key economic reforms, specifically the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate.
While Obi said he supported both measures in principle, he condemned the manner in which they were implemented, calling them “haphazard.”
In reaction, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, dismissed Obi’s remarks as superficial and lacking in substance. He accused the former Anambra State governor of offering empty rhetoric while failing to present coherent alternatives.
Writing on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Bwala stated:
“Is anybody watching Peter Obi on Arise TV? He agreed with our policy of removing the subsidy and unifying the foreign exchange rate. He claimed he would have done it in a more ‘organised manner’.
“When asked to explain what that meant, he danced around the question before ultimately agreeing with us.”
Bwala went on to accuse Obi and other opposition figures of having no credible plan for Nigeria’s economic future.
“Anyone thinking rationally knows these individuals are only interested in seizing power. They don’t have a real agenda for the country,” he said.
Bwala also took aim at the tone of the interview, suggesting that the format was overly accommodating due to the anchor’s perceived alignment with Obi’s supporters, known as the “Obidient” movement.
He commented, “Don’t forget, the interview was conducted by someone who’s essentially part of his Obidient base. That’s why you don’t hear a single tough follow-up or any challenging tone. Just softballs. Yet, to borrow their phrase, ‘if it didn’t dey, it didn’t dey.’”
During the Arise TV broadcast, Obi had challenged the Tinubu administration to provide a detailed account of the funds reportedly saved since the end of the fuel subsidy in May 2023.
“There’s nothing wrong with removing the fuel subsidy. What’s wrong is the disorganised way it was announced and rolled out,” Obi argued.
“We were told it was removed to avoid further borrowing and to redirect funds towards essential infrastructure.
“Billions were said to have been saved. So where are those billions? Where have they been invested?” he asked.
Obi insisted that, if elected, he would have handled the reforms with clear planning and measurable steps.
“My manifesto spells out the structured approach I would have taken,” he said.
Despite agreeing on the fundamental necessity of subsidy removal and currency unification, Obi maintained that the current administration had failed to provide transparency, prioritise the welfare of citizens, or ensure economic stability in the course of these reforms.
The Presidency says it remains unmoved by Obi’s assertions, characterising them as politically charged statements lacking in constructive policy proposals.