The former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the federal government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that “no nation can truly prosper when the majority of its citizens are ensnared in poverty.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi referenced a recent World Bank report published on October 8, 2025, which indicates that approximately 139 million Nigerians are currently living in poverty, a significant rise from the 87 million reported in 2023 when President Bola Tinubu took office.
He characterized this statistic as “a heartbreaking indication of how severely our nation is failing its people,” emphasizing that it should have prompted immediate national action instead of government denials.
“What is even more alarming is that this shocking revelation has not sparked an urgent national conversation on how to effectively lift millions of our citizens out of poverty; instead, it has led to a rebuttal from the government, despite the fact that the news reflects the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians,” Obi remarked.
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The former governor argued that the deteriorating economic situation contradicts government assertions of progress through reforms, claiming that these policies lack direction and a focus on the needs of the people.
“The failure of these reforms stems from the absence of a clear strategy and the commitment to direct the supposed benefits into practical and productive areas that will aid the populace and enhance overall growth,” he stated.
Obi called on the government to implement intentional, people-centered reforms that prioritize production over consumption, support small businesses and farmers, and invest in education and healthcare.
“No nation can truly prosper when the majority of its people are trapped in poverty. With the right leadership, we can make Nigeria work for every Nigerian,” Obi concluded.
