Obi says Nigeria faces deepening hardship as Tinubu declares era of prosperity

Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized the country's economic and social conditions in his Independence Day message, expressing concern over worsening poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and hunger. These issues, according to Obi, have made life increasingly difficult for citizens. This criticism came in the wake of President Bola Tinubu's own national address, in which he declared the country entering an "age of prosperity" following economic reforms.

Obi criticized the All Progressives Congress-led administration for its failure to address the challenges facing Nigerians, citing over 140 million people living in poverty, 80 million out-of-school children, and high rates of banditry and kidnapping. He also raised concerns over food insecurity, with 40 million Nigerians projected to face extreme hunger by the end of the year, and poor infant and maternal mortality rates.

Obi highlighted that young Nigerians are facing particularly difficult circumstances, with a youth unemployment rate of over 35 million and one of the worst drug prevalences globally. In contrast, Tinubu's address emphasized the foundation of prosperity laid by the government's economic reforms, stating that the country has passed through a difficult phase and is now focused on shared and widespread prosperity.