Claims on Nigeria’s debt profile ‘A Blatant Lie’ – Reno Omokri slams Peter Obi

July 10, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has criticized Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of spreading misinformation about Nigeria’s debt situation.

According to Omokri, Obi’s statements are negatively impacting the country’s economic prospects and deterring foreign investors.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omokri stated that Obi’s claims about President Bola Tinubu’s administration borrowing more than the administrations of Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari are false.

“One of the lies he told is that President Tinubu has borrowed more than the administrations of Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari. That is a blatant lie.”

Omokri cited data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) to support his claims, saying, “I have here with me data from the Debt Management Office, and Nigerians who are watching can go and search Debt Management Office, Nigeria State of Indebtedness 2015.”

He emphasized that President Tinubu has actually reduced Nigeria’s external debt burden since taking office.

Omokri added, “We should be appreciating this man. Yet Peter Obi came here and lied to the Nigerian people. He took the debts and translated them into naira to make it look like the debts have increased.”

According to Omokri, some foreign investors are considering leaving Nigeria due to Obi’s remarks.

“The reason why I came here is because I’m a patriot. Peter Obi lied. You know, foreign direct investors are watching your programme, who are making investment decisions not to come to Nigeria.

“There are foreign investors in Nigeria that are making investment decisions to leave Nigeria because of the lie he told,” Omokri said.

Omokri also stated, “That is not true. He doesn’t rile me up. I rile him up,” highlighting his disagreement with Obi’s claims.