APC Slams Atiku's "Gradualist" Policy Model, Accuses Him of Rehashing Failed PDP Strategies

'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja 

DAILY COURIER - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for proposing what they describe as "more of the same old, failed policies" in his recent comments about Nigeria's economic future. 

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, issued a scathing press statement responding to Atiku’s proposed solutions for the country’s ongoing challenges, accusing him of promoting a "gradualist" model that failed in the past and would fail again if implemented.

Atiku, who has been vocal in his opposition to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his loss in the 2023 presidential elections, recently outlined his vision for Nigeria, including his approach to fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms. The former PDP candidate claimed that, had he been elected, he would have tackled these critical issues differently, offering an alternative path to the current government’s policies.

However, the APC was quick to dismiss Atiku’s proposals, pointing to the historical failures of similar approaches during the 16 years the PDP ruled Nigeria. The APC’s statement sharply criticized Atiku for suggesting a gradual phase-out of the fuel subsidy and a managed-floating exchange rate system, which they argue would only perpetuate corruption and inefficiency – the same problems that plagued the country under the PDP’s tenure.

"Atiku’s gradualist approach to subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms is nothing more than a rehash of the same ineffective policies that brought Nigeria to its knees during the PDP's long rule," said Morka. "These policies failed to produce meaningful outcomes before, and there is no reason to believe they would work now."

The APC also emphasized that Atiku's plan to implement a managed-floating exchange rate would disproportionately benefit "opportunists and cronies," further exacerbating the problem of economic inequality. They argued that this system, which had been tested and failed in the past, would only fuel corruption and leave Nigerians worse off.

The party pointed to the urgency of the moment, arguing that Nigeria’s economic challenges require bold, immediate action rather than the "gradualist" and "piecemeal" approach that Atiku advocates. "The complex contradictions of Nigeria’s economy, compounded by a changing global economic environment, demand decisive and comprehensive reforms," said Morka.

Atiku’s proposed Economic Stimulus Fund and Infrastructure Development Unit also came under fire. The APC labeled these initiatives as vague and lacking in detail, suggesting that they amounted to little more than political rhetoric. The former Vice President's five-point agenda, which promises to address issues such as unity, security, and education, was also criticized for lacking concrete plans for implementation.

"The policies he is offering are not new, nor are they adequately thought out," Morka said. "His five-point agenda is high on rhetoric and low on substance, with no clear strategy for achieving these lofty goals."

In contrast, the APC lauded President Tinubu’s administration for its bold, forward-looking economic reforms. These include the unified exchange rate and the removal of the fuel subsidy, which the APC argues are necessary steps for stabilizing the economy and attracting long-term investment. The party emphasized that while the reforms have caused some short-term economic pain, they are critical for creating a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigerians.

"The economic reforms being implemented by President Tinubu may be tough, but they are essential for transforming Nigeria into a strong, resilient, and prosperous nation," Morka said. "These policies are designed to address the root causes of Nigeria’s economic problems and create the foundation for long-term growth and development."

The APC also pointed out that these reforms are expected to free up over N1 trillion annually, which will be redirected into critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social investment programs. They argue that these measures will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, improve the business environment, and create jobs.

Atiku’s continued opposition to the government’s policies, Morka argued, is driven more by political partisanship than genuine concern for the welfare of the Nigerian people. "Atiku’s relentless condemnation of the administration’s reforms is not rooted in a desire to see Nigeria succeed but in his personal quest for political relevance," he said. "Nigerians deserve more from a former Vice President than the kind of divisive rhetoric that Atiku is peddling."

The APC concluded the statement by urging Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu and his reform agenda. The party remains confident that, despite the short-term difficulties associated with the reforms, the long-term benefits will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.

"We encourage Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for President Tinubu," Morka said. "The path to recovery is not easy, but it is necessary. Better days are ahead."