By Ahmed Akanbi

The Peter Obi Media Reach has condemned presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga over his remarks on hunger in Nigeria, describing his position as “disgraceful” and accusing the Tinubu administration of being out of touch with citizens’ struggles.

Speaking on ARISE News Wednesday, Idris Zekeri Jr., spokesman for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, faulted Onanuga for saying he does not see the level of hunger Nigerians have been reporting.

The comment has drawn widespread criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who say it shows a widening gap between government officials and the realities facing millions of Nigerians.

Zekeri said the Presidency’s stance was insensitive to citizens battling rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity and deepening poverty.

“For a spokesperson of the President to come on national television and completely disregard these legitimate concerns of Nigerians is most disgraceful, and I’m putting that very lightly,” he stated.

He warned that attempts to downplay public concerns could worsen citizens’ frustration with government at a time of severe economic hardship.

According to him, many Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities due to worsening living conditions.

“As we speak today, about 35 million Nigerians are facing acute hunger. That figure is equivalent to the population of an entire country,” Zekeri said.

He used Ghana’s population to illustrate the scale of the problem.

“You can form a country of hungry people, make President Tinubu the president, and it will be the same population as Ghana—an entire country of hungry people,” he declared.

The exchange reflects the growing political battle over the economy. Opposition figures accuse the Tinubu administration of failing to address hardship caused by economic reforms, while government officials insist the policies are laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity.

Analysts say the controversy is likely to intensify debate on the administration’s economic management, as Nigerians continue to grapple with high food inflation and rising cost of living.

The Presidency is yet to officially respond to Zekeri’s remarks. The latest clash, however, has further exposed the divide between the government and its critics on the true state of the nation’s economy.