Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent remark suggesting that Nigerians should take solace in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries,” saying such comparisons do not address the country’s worsening economic realities.
Speaking in response to the President’s comment made in Yenagoa, Obi said resorting to comparisons with other African nations risks downplaying the severity of hardship faced by Nigerians, especially amid rising inflation, fuel prices, and declining living standards.
“Comparing Nigeria to Kenya or any other country will not fix our problems,” Obi said. “What Nigerians need are concrete solutions driven by measurable data, not statements that attempt to console rather than confront reality.”
Tinubu had, in his remarks, suggested that despite ongoing economic challenges, Nigeria remained relatively better positioned than some African peers. However, Obi argued that such assertions must be backed by verifiable data and honest assessment.
Drawing from religious teachings, Obi likened the President’s remarks to the biblical parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9–14, warning against self-righteous comparisons. He also referenced Qur’an 53:32, which cautions against self-exaltation.
“Like the Pharisee who boasted of his superiority, such downward comparisons serve more as a refuge than a remedy,” Obi stated. “They may offer temporary comfort, but they do not solve the underlying issues.”
The former Anambra State governor further recalled an earlier campaign remark by Tinubu — “Na statistics we go shop?” — describing it as dismissive of the critical role data plays in governance.
“Statistics are not optional; they are the language of development,” Obi said. “No nation can plan effectively or measure progress without relying on credible data and comparing itself with peers in a meaningful way.”
Obi maintained that when properly applied, comparisons can serve as tools for accountability and policy direction, but warned against what he described as “selective or unfounded comparisons.”
Citing several development indicators, Obi argued that Kenya outperforms Nigeria in key areas, including human development, life expectancy, literacy, and macroeconomic stability.
“On the Human Development Index, Kenya ranks 143 with a score of about 0.630, while Nigeria is ranked 164 with about 0.530,” he said. “Kenya’s GDP per capita is between $2,200 and $2,300, compared to Nigeria’s which is below $900.”
He added that poverty levels also paint a stark contrast. “About 43 per cent of Kenyans live below the poverty line, roughly 23 million people, while in Nigeria, it is about 63 per cent, translating to nearly 150 million people,” Obi noted.
On social indicators, Obi said Kenya’s life expectancy stands at about 67 years, compared to Nigeria’s 54 years, while literacy rates are estimated at 81–85 per cent in Kenya against Nigeria’s 62–65 per cent.
He also pointed to disparities in education and infrastructure, noting that Nigeria has approximately 20 million out-of-school children, compared to Kenya’s 3.5 million, and significantly lower access to electricity.
“Even in terms of inflation and currency stability, Kenya has maintained a relatively stable environment compared to Nigeria, where inflation has remained above 15 per cent and the naira has depreciated sharply,” he said.
Obi further argued that rising global oil prices have not translated into the same level of domestic fuel price shocks in Kenya as seen in Nigeria, underscoring structural challenges in the country’s economy.
While acknowledging that Kenya faces its own challenges, Obi insisted that the data shows a consistently higher performance across multiple indices when compared to Nigeria.
“If the President believes Kenyans are suffering despite these stronger indicators, then Nigerians are clearly in a far more difficult situation,” he said.
Obi urged the Federal Government to move away from what he described as “self-consolation” and instead embrace accountability and evidence-based policymaking.
“We must confront our realities with humility and take responsibility,” he said. “Only then can we begin to implement the reforms necessary to move the country forward.”
Nigeria-Kenya Comparisons Won’t Fix Crisis, Obi Tells Tinubu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
