Ahmad reacts as Obi writes Tinubu to explain how he spent N15.8tn subsidy savings, $100bn loan

Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has faulted former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging him to acknowledge the complexities of governing Nigeria.

Obi had, in a post on X, challenged Tinubu to account for the resources generated through the removal of fuel subsidy, increased government revenue and foreign borrowing.

The former Anambra State governor made the remarks while reacting to Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom State, urging the President to visit other states and explain how his administration had utilised the country’s resources.

Obi questioned what had been achieved with the N15.8tn reportedly saved from fuel subsidy removal, more than $100bn borrowed by the government and additional revenue generated through taxation.

He also demanded explanations on the administration’s efforts to reduce poverty, return out-of-school children to classrooms, improve primary healthcare, increase electricity supply and tackle insecurity.

Obi maintained that Nigerians deserved accountability, transparency and measurable improvements in their living conditions.

Reacting in a separate post on X, Ahmad said accountability was essential in a democracy but should be based on facts, fairness and a proper understanding of the challenges facing the country.

He argued that subsidy savings, increased government revenue and borrowing should not be considered in isolation from the economic reforms and challenges involved in repositioning the country.

Ahmad also maintained that the N15.8tn cited as subsidy savings should not automatically be regarded as money available in government accounts for distribution.

He added that borrowing was not necessarily evidence of failure, stressing that the important considerations were the proper utilisation of borrowed funds, the benefits of investments and the sustainability of the country’s debt.

On electricity, insecurity, education, healthcare and poverty, Ahmad acknowledged that significant challenges remained but argued that ongoing efforts and progress should not be dismissed because the problems had not been completely resolved.

He further called for accountability across all levels of government, including state and local governments, insisting that the same standards of scrutiny should apply to every institution entrusted with public resources.

Ahmad, however, said Tinubu had a responsibility to communicate his administration’s achievements, challenges and plans more effectively.

He urged political leaders to focus on constructive criticism, factual arguments and practical solutions rather than what he described as selective outrage and partisan interests.

He wrote, “While accountability is essential in every democracy, it must be grounded in facts, fairness, and a proper understanding of the challenges facing our nation. Criticism is welcome, but selective outrage and politically convenient narratives do little to advance the national conversation.

“The removal of fuel subsidy, increased government revenue, and borrowing should not be discussed in isolation from the economic realities and reforms required to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.

“The N15.8 trillion cited as subsidy savings, for instance, should not automatically be treated as money sitting in a government account waiting to be distributed. Similarly, borrowing is not inherently evidence of failure. What matters is whether borrowed funds are responsibly utilised, whether investments deliver measurable benefits, and whether the debt remains sustainable.”

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