Obi criticises Tinubu’s ‘better than Kenya’ comment, calls for data-based economic assessment

Presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised remarks attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggesting that Nigerians should take comfort in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries.”

In a statement released on Sunday, Obi argued that while the comment may have been intended to calm public anxiety over rising living costs and economic hardship, it risks trivialising the depth of Nigeria’s socio-economic difficulties.

Obi cautioned that comparisons with countries perceived to be facing similar or worse conditions should not substitute for honest self-assessment.

Drawing from religious texts, he referenced the biblical parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Gospel of Luke (18:9–14), which contrasts self-righteous comparison with humility and introspection. He also cited a passage in the Qur’an (53:32) warning against self-praise and arrogance.

According to him, “downward comparisons among nations often serve as a refuge rather than a remedy,” stressing that leadership communication must be rooted in measurable realities rather than selective narratives.

Obi also recalled a campaign-era remark attributed to President Tinubu — “Na statistics we go shop?” — suggesting that such an outlook undermines the importance of data in policymaking.

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He maintained that credible statistics remain essential tools for national planning, policy evaluation and performance benchmarking, arguing that no country can achieve sustainable development without measuring itself against global standards.

Citing multiple development indicators, Obi contended that Kenya currently outperforms Nigeria across several socio-economic metrics.

Kenya’s Human Development Index (HDI) stands at approximately 0.630 (ranked 143 of 180 countries), compared to Nigeria’s 0.530 (ranked 164 of 180).

Kenya’s GDP per capita is estimated between $2,200 and $2,300, while Nigeria’s ranges between $807 and $835.

Poverty rates are estimated at about 43 percent in Kenya, compared to roughly 63 percent in Nigeria.

Life expectancy is about 67 years in Kenya, compared to 54 years in Nigeria.

Literacy levels are estimated at 81–85 percent in Kenya, against 62–65 percent in Nigeria.

He further pointed to differences in electricity access, out-of-school children statistics, inflation stability and currency performance.

Obi noted that Kenya’s inflation rate has remained relatively stable at around 4.5 percent or lower in recent years, while Nigeria’s inflation has exceeded 15 percent. He also cited sharper currency depreciation in Nigeria over the same period.

In addition, he observed that Kenya has not experienced the same degree of fuel price volatility witnessed in Nigeria in recent years.

Obi stressed that comparisons among nations should serve as tools for accountability and reform rather than consolation. He argued that Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, economic instability and social indicators require urgent structural reforms anchored in transparency and measurable targets.

He concluded that addressing Nigeria’s development challenges demands humility, responsibility and evidence-based policymaking, urging leaders to confront realities directly rather than rely on relative comparisons.