Peter Obi backs Tinubu's forex liberalization, says he'll keep policy if elected 2027

Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has stated he will retain President Bola Tinubu's foreign exchange market liberalization if elected. He made this clear in an Arise TV interview today, September 10, 2026, defending the naira's float since 2023 and contrasting it with former President Buhari's defense of the currency.

Obi emphasized he won't defend the naira's value but will focus on productivity to strengthen it for Nigerians. He also reaffirmed his support for Tinubu's fuel subsidy removal, noting pump prices now range from ₦1,310 to ₦1,350 per liter—up from around ₦238 in May 2023. The forex liberalization pushed the naira to approximately ₦1,329.21 per dollar from about ₦470 pre-reform.

This endorsement from a major opposition figure signals potential policy continuity regardless of who wins the 2027 election. For ordinary Nigerians, it means forex rates and fuel prices are likely to remain market-driven rather than subject to artificial controls. With inflation and exchange rates directly impacting household budgets, understanding candidates' economic positions becomes crucial for voting decisions.

Will you factor in Obi's backing of current forex and fuel policies when evaluating his 2027 candidacy, or do you believe alternative approaches are needed to address Nigeria's economic challenges?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/10/why-i-will-retain-tinubus-liberalisation-of-forex-market-peter-obi/