Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, stating that Nigeria has been greatly diminished under their watch.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi lamented the country’s current state, citing widespread poverty, insecurity, and poor governance.
“In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, beginning a renewed journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice.
“That journey helped us build Africa’s largest economy and strengthen democratic institutions. But over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished,” said Obi.
Obi highlighted Nigeria’s economic struggles, noting that the country’s total debt stands at approximately N175 trillion, nearly 50 per cent of its GDP, without corresponding improvements in productive sectors.
“In just one year, this administration pushed over 15 million Nigerians into acute poverty. Today, more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation.
“This number grows daily under an APC government that pursues brutal revenue-driven policies while ignoring the welfare of its people.
”Nigeria now ranks among the lowest in the world on human development indicators.
“This government taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while indulging in extravagance.
”Billions are spent on new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars that cost more than the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare,” he added.
He also pointed out that Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.
The former governor expressed concern over the rising poverty levels, stating that over 15 million Nigerians were pushed into acute poverty in the current administration’s first year alone.
He noted that more than 150 million Nigerians lacked access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, water, and sanitation.
Obi also condemned the APC-led government’s handling of insecurity, claiming that billions of naira have been paid as ransom to kidnappers.
Obi emphasised the need for a new brand of politics anchored on justice, unity, and productivity.
He believed that with competent, compassionate, and people-centered leadership, Nigeria could overcome its challenges and become an industrialized nation in record time.
“The old politics must end, and a new politics of prosperity for all must begin,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, assured Nigerians that the worst is over and that the country has finally turned the corner, thanks to the reforms carried out by his administration.
