Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu Over Food Security and Governors

Presidential candidate Peter Obi challenged the political standing and policy record of President Bola Tinubu in a series of critiques on June 11, 2026. Speaking from Washington, DC, Obi dismissed the importance of President Tinubu's support among state governors, arguing that voters determine election outcomes rather than political elites. He cited his own 2023 performance, where he won 12 states without gubernatorial backing, as evidence that the 2027 election should focus on the welfare and health of the poor.

Obi further condemned the Tinubu administration for failing to curb food insecurity despite a 2023 food security emergency declaration and a tractor mechanization program. He noted that Nigeria's hunger index ranking dropped from 103rd out of 123 countries in 2022/2023 to 115th in 2025/2026.

Referencing warnings from the United Nations and the World Bank, Obi highlighted that up to 35 million Nigerians face acute hunger. He argued that the country's uncultivated land in the north is a critical asset and called for transparent investment in agricultural production to ensure food security and create employment.