Obi, Amaechi, Sowore Clash Over Security, Subsidy at NBA Conference

ValidViewNetwork that presidential contenders Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Omoyele Sowore clashed over Nigeria’s security crisis, fuel subsidy, general governance and the country’s political future at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

The presidential candidates’ panel, one of the major highlights of the second day of the conference, produced keen exchanges as the politicians offered competing explanations for Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, poverty and governance challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sowore: “You Are Subsidising the Elite”

ValidViewNetwork has learned that the debate became particularly heated when Sowore challenged the records of former Rivers State governor and presidential hopeful, Amaechi, while also criticising former governors and other political leaders for policies he said had impoverished Nigerians.

Sowore, who maintained his opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy, accused successive governments of subsidising the lifestyles of the political elite rather than protecting poor Nigerians.”

The question about subsidy is, who are you subsidising? You are subsidising the elite. You are subsidising the governors. The only people who are doing well since they removed subsidy were the governors of states,” Sowore said.

Amaechi Fires Back

ValidViewNetwork can report that Amaechi, while hitting back, rejected Sowore’s interpretation of his record and defended his political experience and the coalition involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

He said the coalition remained committed to defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing the political establishment of allowing corruption and electoral manipulation to thrive.

Obi Links Insecurity to Poverty

ValidViewNetwork understands that Obi offered a different prescription for insecurity, linking the problem directly to poverty and Nigeria’s failure to become a productive economy.”Nigeria is poor because those of us who are leaders are stealing the wealth of Nigeria and driving Nigeria into poverty.

Nigeria is poor today because it is not a productive country,” Obi said.

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He argued that reducing poverty and transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy into a productive one would be central to tackling insecurity.

ValidViewNetwork will continue to monitor political developments as the 2027 elections approach.