Obi Claims Tinubu Supporters Forced Into Petty Trade
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has asserted that numerous Nigerians who supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general election and were running businesses at the time have since lost those enterprises due to economic hardship. In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo published on Wednesday, July 8, Obi responded to suggestions that his 2023 presidential campaign movement had lost momentum, rejecting that characterization outright. He argued that his support base has actually grown as Nigerians compare their expectations from the last election to the reality of governance under the Tinubu administration.
Business Closures and Survival Strategies
Obi pointed to what he described as a wave of business closures since Tinubu assumed office, with former business owners now resorting to petty trading to survive. "Those who had business when he came into power have collapsed. They are now the people who are selling kuli-kuli," he said. Kuli-kuli is a popular Nigerian snack made from ground peanuts, often sold by street vendors. The former presidential candidate challenged the government's ability to defend its record, asserting that no credible case could be made that Nigeria is moving in a positive direction. "Nobody, nobody can tell you things are moving well. What are they going to do now?" he asked.
Renewed Hope Labeled as Hopelessness
Obi took direct aim at the administration's signature "Renewed Hope" agenda, claiming the phrase has been emptied of meaning. "It had become hopelessness when President Tinubu came into power," he said. He argued that worsening economic conditions have forced many former business owners to struggle to survive, and that more Nigerians now support him after assessing the Tinubu administration's performance. Obi criticized the government's agenda, saying Nigerians should judge it by their daily experiences.
Poverty and Hunger Statistics Cited
The former governor leaned on statistics to reinforce his argument, stating that the number of Nigerians living in poverty has worsened significantly and that the country's position on global hunger rankings has declined. "Eighty-seven million Nigerians were living in poverty. Today, it's one-fourth," he said, adding: "We were number five below where we are today in hunger list. We've increased." Obi said insecurity and economic strain are no longer distant policy concerns but visible, everyday realities for ordinary Nigerians. "Everything has gotten worse. Like I said before, we're no longer talking of ghosts walking around. You can see where we've gotten," he said. He closed that line of argument with a pointed verdict on the administration's record: "Which hope are they going to renew again? You can't renew failure, and that's it."
Obi Raises Fears Ahead of 2027
Earlier, Obi alleged that he is being targeted by the APC-led federal government, saying he fears he might not be alive for the 2027 election. Speaking during an interview, Obi claimed his business activities are being frustrated and recounted incidents he believes reflect political pressure, including encounters at an airport and before a social event.
