Peter Obi Critiques Tinubu's Economic Policies Amid US Report

Peter Obi, the 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in response to the US Department of State's 2026 Nigeria Investment Climate Statement. The report warned investors about serious risks in Nigeria, including insecurity, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, weaknesses in the judiciary, cargo delays, and failures in the power sector.

It highlighted that foreign businesses could face arbitrary detention and travel restrictions during regulatory disputes. The report noted that Nigeria has previously used coercive exit bans and arbitrary detention as leverage in commercial disputes.

Obi pointed to capital importation data for the first quarter of 2026, which showed total inflows of $10.37 billion, with only $135.08 million (1.3 percent) as Foreign Direct Investment. He argued that this data indicates Nigeria is failing to attract long-term productive investment, contradicting government claims of macroeconomic stability.

Obi stated that a government committed to economic growth would have taken urgent corrective actions in response to such a report.