• 'Obi is Nigeria’s leading doomsayer' - APC
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a heated exchange that underscores the divide in Nigeria's political landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lashed out at Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his critical remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s current state. The APC described Obi as a "doomsayer" intent on misleading Nigerians, while insisting that the Tinubu administration is making measurable progress across all sectors.
Obi’s Allegations: A Nation in Decline
Peter Obi, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political, economic, and security landscape. He decried what he called a "deteriorating" national situation, citing rising national debt, inflation, insecurity, and poverty.
Obi claimed Nigeria’s national debt has ballooned from N15 trillion in 2015 to over N100 trillion, with much of the increase recorded under Tinubu’s administration. He lamented the country’s drop in GDP ranking, its high poverty rate, and the inability of many Nigerians to afford basic necessities despite a newly introduced minimum wage.
He also criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in governance and called for decisive, selfless leadership.
“Nigeria urgently needs transformational leadership, starting at the very top,” Obi said. He further urged Tinubu to provide quarterly updates to Nigerians, address food insecurity, and ensure credible elections.
APC Fires Back: 'Obi Is Nigeria’s Leading Doomsayer'
In a strongly worded press statement, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed Obi’s remarks as “jangling and gloom-ridden,” accusing him of attempting to score cheap political points. The party argued that Tinubu's administration is making significant strides in revitalizing the economy and tackling the country’s challenges.
“The economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown steady progress: massive trade surpluses, increased foreign direct investments, enhanced foreign reserves, and improved oil production,” the statement read.
The APC also highlighted achievements in the fight against corruption, agricultural productivity, and security, citing the decimation of terrorist leaders and a reduction in debt servicing ratios from 90% to 64%.
Tinubu’s Vision: Better Days Ahead
In his New Year address, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerians, particularly high food prices and inflation. However, he assured the nation of his administration's commitment to lowering inflation from 34% to 15% and improving local food and drug production.
Tinubu emphasized that reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda are laying the foundation for a $1 trillion economy, urging Nigerians to be patient and supportive.
A Clash of Ideologies
While Obi calls for immediate and transformative leadership to address Nigeria's challenges, the APC insists that Tinubu’s steady reforms will yield long-term benefits. The opposition has accused Obi of political grandstanding, while Obi and his supporters view Tinubu’s government as ineffective and overly optimistic.
As Nigeria embarks on 2025, the political rivalry between Tinubu and Obi reflects deeper divisions within the nation. While the APC is confident in its vision of a prosperous Nigeria, critics like Obi remain skeptical, demanding urgent action and accountability.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Tinubu’s policies can deliver on their promises or if Obi’s warnings will resonate more strongly with Nigerians. For now, the battle of narratives rages on, shaping public perception of Nigeria’s future.
