Peter Obi has blasted APC for undermining Nigeria’s potential and called for “New Politics of Prosperity”.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of eroding Nigeria’s promise as a nation, warning that decades of mismanagement have left the country struggling.
Speaking at a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi said Nigeria had been poised at independence in 1960 to become both Africa’s giant and a global powerhouse. However, he argued that the past decade of APC rule has drastically reversed progress.
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“In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, embarking on a journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice. That journey helped us build Africa’s largest economy and strengthen democratic institutions,” Obi said. “But over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished.”
Economic Mismanagement and Rising Poverty
Obi criticized the current administration for policies that have plunged over 15 million Nigerians into poverty in just one year, while imposing heavy taxes that yield minimal benefits to citizens.
“Today, our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, with no improvement in productive sectors. Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as ‘undemocratic,’” he added.
He also condemned reckless government borrowing and extravagant spending, noting that while billions are spent on presidential jets, yachts, and luxury vehicles, over 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, clean water, and sanitation.
Security Concerns and Governance Failures
On insecurity, Obi highlighted rising kidnappings and ransom payments, arguing that Nigerians are increasingly unsafe due to a lack of leadership and direction.
“The current government taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while indulging in extravagance. Billions are spent on luxuries that exceed the entire 2024 primary healthcare budget,” he said.
A Call for Competent Leadership
Despite the bleak outlook, Obi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future. Citing examples from Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India, he urged Nigerians to embrace competent, compassionate, and people-centered leadership to restore the nation’s prosperity.
“The current administration’s failures must not lead us to despair. They should fuel our determination to rebuild. With the right leadership, we can defeat terrorism, restore security, and guarantee safe communities where enterprise and social life thrive. We must end a system where leaders feast while the people starve,” he stated.
Obi concluded by advocating an end to “old politics” and the beginning of a “new politics of prosperity” that benefits all Nigerians.
