Nigeria @ 65: APC Leadership Has Diminished the Nation – Peter Obi
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that Nigeria has suffered significant decline under its leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi expressed deep concern over the country’s deteriorating economic and social conditions, blaming poor governance, insecurity, and widespread poverty on the ruling party.
“In 1999, we ended military rule and restored democracy, ushering in a renewed journey towards prosperity, justice, and freedom,” Obi said. “That era helped us build Africa’s largest economy and strengthen democratic institutions. But in the past decade, under APC’s incompetent, corrupt, and divisive leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished.”
He pointed to the country’s worsening economic indicators, noting that Nigeria's total debt has ballooned to around ₦175 trillion—nearly half of the GDP—without a corresponding boost in productivity.
Obi further stated that over 15 million Nigerians have fallen into extreme poverty within just one year of the current administration. “Today, more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, clean water, and sanitation—and that number continues to rise,” he added.
He criticised what he called the government's “brutal, revenue-driven policies” that heavily tax struggling citizens and small businesses, while government officials indulge in lavish spending.
“Billions are being spent on presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars—more than the entire 2024 budget allocated to primary healthcare,” Obi said.
He also decried Nigeria’s slide down the economic rankings, noting that the country has dropped to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, now behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.
On security, Obi condemned the government's poor response, stating that billions of naira have been paid in ransomdue to rampant kidnappings.
Calling for a complete shift in the political landscape, Obi advocated for a new kind of politics rooted in justice, unity, productivity, and compassion. He said only competent, people-focused leadership could move Nigeria forward and transform it into an industrialized nation.
“The old politics must end. A new politics—built on prosperity for all—must begin,” he declared.
Meanwhile, in his nationwide broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu assured citizens that the country has turned the corner, attributing the progress to key reforms implemented by his administration.
#UTVAfrica#
