BREAKING: Something’s Gone Wrong Somewhere — Peter Obi Speaks On Buhari’s Govt, Compares With Tinubu’s Policies

Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has highlighted concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt profile and fiscal management across successive administrations.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni TV on Saturday, April 18, 2026, while addressing issues related to public debt, subsidy policies, and budget implementation.

Referencing the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Obi stated that Nigeria’s total national debt stood at 13 trillion naira prior to 2015 but increased significantly during Buhari’s tenure. “For example, before President Buhari became President in 2015, our entire debt was 13 trillion. National debt, 13 trillion. Buhari came, and in 8 years, I’m talking in other terms now, to make it 87 trillion,” he said.

He noted that the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inherited this debt level upon assuming office. “That’s what was there when the present government came into being,” Obi added.

Obi also referenced subsidy policies under the previous administration, stating that fuel and electricity subsidies were maintained during Buhari’s tenure. “Buhari paid subsidy in fuel. Buhari paid subsidy in electricity,” he said.

He contrasted this with the current administration’s policy direction, which he said involves the removal of subsidies and a focus on reallocating resources to key sectors.

“Now we have a president who says subsidy is gone. No subsidy in electricity. And the reason why he’s removing them is that he doesn’t want to borrow money to be paid. And the savings he wants to put in critical areas of development, education, health, and pulling people out of poverty,” Obi stated.

However, Obi raised concerns about continued borrowing and fiscal outcomes despite these policy changes. “And now in 3 years, World Buhari has borrowed in 8 years without any of the areas he said improving. And we don’t have subsidy again. We don’t have this thing. And we’re making more revenue because we’re paying more taxes. So there must be something that is missing somewhere,” he said.

He further pointed to issues in budget execution, noting delays in funding and outstanding payments to contractors. “And our budgets are not being funded. We’re still operating budget of 2024. The 2025 budget, the entire capital project, the contractors are being owed. And we have a 2026 budget that has just been passed,” Obi stated.

Describing the situation, Obi said: “So we have a double whammy situation. It’s like when you say you have borrowed money in order to use it to build a house. The contractor who built the house was not paid. You are owing. So where’s the money? Something’s gone wrong somewhere.”