Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Engagement, and Strategy, O’tega Ogra, has criticized former presidential candidate Peter Obi for comparing Argentina’s economic reforms to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obi had drawn parallels between Nigeria’s poverty and inflation rates and those of Argentina, highlighting the South American nation’s sharp decline in both indicators following reforms that included the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, currency devaluation, and major public sector cuts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ogra, in a statement, argued that Obi’s comparison ignores the broader economic context and reflects “a clear inconsistency” in his positions. He noted that prior to President Javier Milei’s reforms, Argentina’s inflation was already at 114.2 percent, surging to 289 percent within four months, with prices more than tripling over a year. In contrast, Nigeria’s inflation under Tinubu started at 22.41 percent in May 2023, peaked at 34.8 percent in December 2024, and has since fallen to 22.22 percent.

He emphasized that while both countries are now in disinflation phases, Nigeria has avoided the extreme volatility and human suffering seen in Argentina. Ogra also criticized Obi for endorsing Argentina’s “pain first, stabilize later” approach abroad while opposing similar measures in Nigeria, describing it as a double standard. He urged Nigerians to focus on sustaining reforms, cushioning citizens from their impact, and ensuring policy consistency, rather than abandoning effective strategies in favor of gradualist approaches that have failed elsewhere.