The Democratic Front (TDF) has criticised the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over his rejection of the World Bank’s economic growth outlook for Nigeria, accusing him of making politically motivated claims unsupported by empirical evidence.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group described Obi’s position as speculative and misleading, arguing that his assessment ignored indicators pointing to improvements in the economy.

The group also questioned Obi’s economic credentials, insisting that his criticism of the World Bank’s projection raised concerns about his preparedness to manage Nigeria’s economy.

Recall that the World Bank had projected that Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 4.4 per cent in 2027.

TDF argued that the bank’s decision to invest $500 million in Nigeria, with the potential to unlock $5.79 billion in financing, demonstrated confidence in the country’s economic prospects.

It said Obi’s rejection of the growth outlook without presenting supporting data was particularly troubling given his claim to experience in the banking sector.

According to the group, the World Bank’s investment decision reflects its assessment of opportunities within Nigeria’s economy and the potential for future growth.

TDF further dismissed Obi’s claims about widespread hardship and poverty, citing Federal Government interventions in education, healthcare, pensions and social welfare as evidence of efforts to cushion the effects of economic reforms.

It specifically pointed to the reported release of N758 billion for the payment of pension arrears, alongside initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), loans for small businesses through SMEDAN and the Renewed Hope Housing programme.

The group argued that these interventions were designed to ease financial pressures on Nigerians and improve access to essential services and economic opportunities.

It urged Nigerians to assess the government’s policies against their stated objectives and outcomes, rather than rely on what it described as Obi’s politically motivated portrayal of the country’s economic situation.

TDF also raised questions about Obi’s record as former governor of Anambra State, citing his reported disagreement with the state government over public debt and alleging that he had yet to adequately explain the whereabouts of N2.13 billion in ecological funds received shortly before the end of his tenure.

The group further accused the former governor of making unsupported claims during a BBC interview about winning the 2023 presidential election.

It said his alleged admission that he lacked evidence to substantiate the claim raised questions about his credibility.

TDF called on Nigerians to reject Obi at the polls, describing his criticism of the World Bank’s economic outlook as part of a broader pattern of what it characterised as misleading public statements.