The Nigeria Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his remarks about Peter Obi’s handling of erosion in Anambra State, declaring that the former governor and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are focused on addressing what it described as the erosion of Nigeria’s commonwealth.
The opposition party accused the Tinubu administration of excessive borrowing, inadequate funding of essential public services and failing to demonstrate the expected financial benefits of fuel subsidy removal.
The criticism was contained in a statement shared on X by Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, spokesperson for the NDC National Presidential Campaign Council, in response to Tinubu’s comments during a political rally in Akwa Ibom State on Friday, November 6, 2026.
NDC challenges Tinubu over public funds
Ikokwu said the party had taken note of the President’s criticism of Obi but maintained that the opposition candidate’s priorities extended beyond the environmental challenges in Anambra.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken careful note of President Bola Tinubu’s swipe at Mr. Peter Obi over the erosion menace in Anambra State,” the statement read.
“But we want to remind the President that the mission of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is much bigger: to stop the rapid erosion of Nigeria’s commonwealth.”
The campaign spokesperson questioned the management of public finances, particularly following the removal of petrol subsidy.
“Nigerians deserve to know what has happened to the promised fiscal benefits of subsidy removal,” she stated.
She also expressed concern over the administration’s borrowing, revenue generation, debt servicing and funding of critical sectors, including healthcare and education.
“Obi/Kwankwaso will not allow Nigeria to continue borrowing at an alarming rate, without corresponding benefits, while citizens endure worsening poverty, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power,” she added.
Party compares Obi, Tinubu’s financial records
The NDC spokesperson also compared the financial records of Obi and Tinubu during their respective tenures as governors of Anambra and Lagos states.
She claimed that Obi left investments, cash and other financial assets worth approximately $500m when he left office in 2014, including $156m in dollar-denominated bonds.
Ikokwu also referenced Lagos State’s historical external debt and criticised the pension benefits established for former governors and deputy governors during Tinubu’s administration.
She argued that the provisions placed an additional burden on public finances, contrasting them with Obi’s approach to the management of state resources.
However, the figures cited by the spokesperson relate to different financial categories and periods and do not independently establish which administration managed public resources more effectively.
Ikokwu further maintained that Obi had implemented drainage and flood-control projects during his tenure and supported efforts to secure ecological interventions for Anambra.
Tinubu criticises Obi over Anambra erosion
The disagreement followed Tinubu’s remarks at an All Progressives Congress rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
According to Channels Television, the President questioned Obi’s handling of erosion during his time as Anambra governor, comparing it with coastal protection efforts undertaken in Lagos.
“In Anambra State, he could not confront erosion. I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confronted the Atlantic Ocean,” Tinubu said.
The President also questioned Obi’s political leadership and ability to address national challenges.
His remarks came during a visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he inaugurated projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
NDC outlines Obi-Kwankwaso economic agenda
Responding further, Ikokwu maintained that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would prioritise accountability, prudent management of government resources and productive investments.
She warned that excessive borrowing without adequate oversight could create long-term economic difficulties.
The spokesperson argued that Nigeria needed to improve public spending and ensure that government revenues translated into better living conditions.
“The bottom line is that Obi-Kwankwaso mission is about stopping fiscal recklessness and the erosion/decimation of Nigeria’s commonwealth, while providing economic opportunities for Nigerians today and for future generations,” she stated.
Obi, a former Anambra State governor, is the NDC presidential candidate for the January 2027 election, with Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, as his running mate.
The exchange adds to the ongoing debate over economic management and the records of major political figures ahead of the presidential election.
