The Presidency on Monday responded sharply to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent comments, labeling him as a personality lacking depth in economics and governance.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, expressed surprise that Obi agreed with key economic policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange unification, policies championed by the Tinubu administration.
Bwala stated on his official X account that Obi’s acknowledgment of these policies was unexpected, especially since Obi claimed he would have implemented them in a more “organized manner.” However, when pressed for specifics, Obi’s explanations were vague, leading Bwala to conclude that Obi and other opposition figures are primarily power-seekers without alternative plans.
“Anybody with a rational mind knows these guys are just looking to grab power, but they don’t have any alternative agenda,” Bwala wrote. He further described Obi’s knowledge of economics and governance as “very shallow,” noting the irony that the interview was conducted by a member of Obi’s own Obidient movement, which resulted in a less confrontational tone than usual.
Meanwhile, Obi challenged President Tinubu to transparently account for the billions saved from subsidy removal, admitting he supports the policy but criticizing its abrupt implementation. Obi said, “There is nothing wrong with the removal of the fuel subsidy… What is wrong is the haphazard way in which it was announced and implemented.” He questioned where the savings have been invested, urging for more visible benefits in critical infrastructure and development sectors.
