Yesterday, April 28th, 2025, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu responded to criticisms made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, regarding Nigeria's poverty levels. Obi had previously addressed the issue during a lecture at Johns Hopkins University, where he claimed that the current administration's policies were exacerbating poverty in Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu countered Obi's assertions by highlighting the increase in poverty rates during Obi's tenure as Anambra State Governor. He pointed out that the poverty rate in Anambra rose from 41.4% to 53.7% within two years under Obi's leadership. In contrast, Sanwo-Olu noted that President Bola Tinubu, during his time as Lagos State Governor, reduced poverty by over 46%.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that leaders should project a positive image of Nigeria abroad, rather than de-market the country. He questioned Obi's moral authority to criticize Nigeria's poverty situation, given his record in Anambra.

The Lagos State Governor's remarks have sparked reactions from various quarters, with some supporting his defense of Nigeria's progress, while others criticize the political implications of his statements.