Explain whereabouts of unemployed funds during your three-year govt – Peter Obi dares Tinubu

Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, demanding a transparent account of the nation’s rapidly escalating debt. Obi claims that the federal government’s “remarkably imprudent borrowing” has pushed Nigeria’s total debt to approximately N200 trillion, marking an increase of over N100 trillion in just three years. He contrasted this with the previous administration, noting that roughly N49 trillion was accumulated during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

The NDC candidate highlighted a significant discrepancy between planned borrowing and actual execution, citing official budget data from 2025. He stated, “For instance, data from the Federation’s Budget Office reveals that the Bola Tinubu government borrowed N11.89 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025 (January to September), exceeding the planned borrowing target of N10.34 trillion by approximately N1.54 trillion.” He argued that such an overshoot in a functional democracy would require immediate scrutiny and explanation, which he claims is currently absent.

Obi further alleged that only a small fraction of these funds was directed toward national development. According to his analysis, only N3.10 trillion—or 17.66%—of the N17.58 trillion earmarked for capital projects was actually deployed during that period. This left a massive deficit of roughly N14.48 trillion in capital expenditure, with no clear record of how the remaining funds were utilized.

The former governor expressed deep frustration over the lack of transparency regarding this financial management. He questioned the administration’s priorities, asking, “Was it deployed for recurrent expenditure/ consumption, for the entertainment of guests to Aso Rock or transferred to the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 Election Campaign Fund?” He concluded that Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of how the nation’s resources are being managed under the current leadership.