The Presidency has strongly dismissed recent comments by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, regarding the handling of funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Tinubu administration, describing them as “baseless and politically motivated.”

 

In a pointed response issued Monday, the government accused Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, of lacking depth in economic policy and governance, insisting that his criticism was driven more by political ambition than constructive policy insight.

 

Speaking during a recent interview on Arise News, Obi questioned the Federal Government’s management of the controversial savings from the fuel subsidy removal. While reiterating his longstanding support for both the removal of subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates, he criticized the Tinubu administration for what he described as poor execution.

 

“I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy,” 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 added, “We were told that subsidy removal would help avoid borrowing and fund critical infrastructure. Billions have reportedly been saved—so where is the money? Where is it being invested in critical areas of development?”

 

Responding via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala (@BwalaDaniel), accused Obi of offering no viable alternative and instead exploiting public sentiment for political gain.

 

“Is anybody watching @PeterObi on Arise TV?” Bwala posted. “He agreed with our policy of subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, claiming he would’ve done it in an ‘organized manner.’ But when asked what that means, he dodged. He played with words and ended up agreeing with us.”

 

Bwala went on to accuse Obi of shallow economic understanding, stating, “Anybody with a rational mind knows these guys are just looking to grab power. They don’t have any alternative agenda.”

 

In a jab at the tone of the interview, Bwala referenced the perceived soft approach by the interviewer, suggesting media bias: “Remember this is even an interview anchored by a member of his Obidient movement ohhh… That’s why you don’t hear ‘I put it to you,’ no barking like a Rottweiler.”

 

The clash highlights growing political tensions as economic performance becomes a central issue ahead of the 2027 general elections. Though the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the end of fuel subsidies and currency unification, have been praised by international financial bodies, they have also sparked widespread hardship, with inflation and cost of living on the rise.

 

Peter Obi, who campaigned on a platform of fiscal discipline, transparency, and pro-poor policies in 2023, continues to position himself as a vocal critic of the ruling party’s economic direction.

 

With political figures ramping up their rhetoric, observers expect the economy to remain a key battleground in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.