The Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed his opinion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be considered for inclusion in the Guinness World Records for “inflicting the most hardship on Nigerians.”
In an interview with Vanguard, the former governor of Anambra state emphasized that the evaluation of President Tinubu’s performance since May 2023 should be left to the judgment of the average Nigerian.
Responding to Tinubu’s own claim that he deserves recognition in the Guinness World Records for his leadership achievements, Obi stated:
“He may actually be correct when he claims that his name deserves to be in the Guinness World Records. Don’t forget that people’s names don’t always make it into the Guinness World Records for only altruistic reasons. So, it depends on which angle he is coming from. If the idea is to put his name in the Guinness Book of Records for causing Nigerians the most hardship – untold hardship, of course he is spot on, and I will totally agree with him because his reforms are not achieving what they are meant to achieve.”
Regarding the 2023 general elections, Obi highlighted two significant lessons. First, he acknowledged the commitment of Nigerians, especially the youth, to good governance. Second, he expressed disappointment in the lack of commitment to good governance among leaders and the elite class.
When asked to assess the Tinubu administration, Obi redirected the question to the Nigerian populace, stating:
“That is really a question for the generality of Nigerians to answer. Ask the average Nigerian how he is faring today. The truth is that we have many more Nigerians thrown into poverty, millions of Nigerians don’t know where the next meal will come from. Nobody is sure what the price of a cup of rice, garri or a loaf of bread will be tomorrow. So, it is Nigerians that you should ask the question.”
In conclusion, Obi emphasized the critical nature of the current situation faced by the average Nigerian and shifted the focus to issues of governance.
