Get Guardian on Google…Tells government to answer Peter Obi’s claims with evidence
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the federal government to respond to Peter Obi’s economic arguments with data, saying public debate should focus on how Nigerians’ lives are changing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party cited increases in the prices of petrol, rice, cement and bread since 2023, along with rising rents, as signs of mounting pressure on households.
It said the government should publish its own figures and explain its methods if it disagrees with Obi’s analysis.
The price comparisons and poverty figures in the statement are claims made by the NDC and have not been independently verified for this report.
The party also urged the government to study poverty-reduction policies used in countries such as Bangladesh, including support for agriculture, export manufacturing, social protection and investment in education and infrastructure.
The NDC said Nigerians should assess the government by outcomes in areas such as poverty, education, business conditions, public safety and the use of public funds as the 2027 elections approach.
The statement, signed by Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, spokesperson for the NDC National Campaign Council, criticised the government’s response to Obi’s use of statistics.
It said disputes over the figures should be settled by publishing evidence and explaining the analysis.
