Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has questioned former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s record in office, saying available data showed that poverty increased in the state during his tenure.
Oseni made the remarks on Tuesday while discussing the ongoing debate over Obi’s performance as governor and his credentials ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to the broadcaster, National Bureau of Statistics data showed that the poverty rate in Anambra rose from the high 40 per cent range to above 50 per cent during Obi’s administration.
“Poverty actually increased in Anambra under Peter Obi. It’s a fact. Go and check NBS figures,” Oseni said.
He, however, stressed that Obi’s administration also recorded notable achievements, particularly in education.
Oseni cited Anambra’s performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, saying the state moved from 26th position to first during Obi’s tenure.
He added that his assessment was based on both the successes and shortcomings of the former governor’s administration, rather than an attempt to dismiss his achievements.
The broadcaster also raised questions about Obi’s policy proposals as he prepares for another presidential contest in 2027.
He said Obi needed to provide Nigerians with clearer details on how he intends to address critical areas such as electricity, industrialisation, healthcare and fuel subsidy reforms.
Oseni specifically questioned how Obi would achieve his proposed target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity and connect increased power generation to industrial production.
He also called for greater clarity on Obi’s healthcare plans and his position on fuel subsidies, arguing that any decision to retain subsidies should be accompanied by a strategy for addressing inflation.
Oseni noted that poverty had also increased in other parts of the country, including Lagos, stressing that the figures should be considered within the broader national context.
The comments come as Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, continues to campaign on the need for a different approach to governance and economic management.
