APC Responds to Peter Obi’s Criticism of Tinubu’s Economic Policies

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly countered Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, following his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. The ruling party asserted that the administration’s achievements “need no opposition validation.”

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC labeled Obi’s remarks made during an April 1 interview on Arise Television as “desperate” and lacking credible economic reasoning. Obi had claimed that Tinubu’s economic reforms were poorly implemented and suggested he would have performed better had he been elected.

The APC dismissed Obi’s comments as a “symptom of election failure-induced hangover,” emphasizing that opposition politics should focus on constructive criticism rather than “wholesale condemnation.”

Highlighting what it termed economic milestones under Tinubu’s leadership, the APC referenced a recent Chatham House report that characterized Nigeria’s economy as “the most competitive it has been in 25 years.”

The statement also criticized Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, accusing him of leaving a legacy of “economic stagnation, infrastructural decay, and religious polarization.” The APC contrasted Obi’s tenure with Tinubu’s governance in Lagos and his current presidency.

The statement read in part:

“During an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on April 1, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, reiterated his usual critiques, alleging President Bola Tinubu has underperformed in implementing economic reforms and claiming he would have done better.

“It was painful to watch Mr. Obi struggle to present any viable economic argument in light of the undeniable progress this administration has achieved. His opportunistic sensationalism, exaggerating the temporary hardships faced by Nigerians in support of the president’s bold economic plan, only highlighted his political desperation.

“Obi’s frequent claim that ‘I would have done better as president’ reflects a prolonged hangover from his electoral defeat. He seems unable to accept that he is not the president, akin to an unlicensed backseat driver who mistakenly believes he is a race car driver.

“Opposition politics should not involve dismissing the administration’s successes. It requires a balanced critique that recognizes accomplishments while addressing shortcomings. The steady progress of the Tinubu administration is evident to all Nigerians.

“It’s ironic that Mr. Obi, whose governorship of Anambra State—covering just 21 local government areas—saw economic stagnation and infrastructural decline, now claims capability to lead Africa’s largest democracy.

“President Tinubu, both as former governor of Lagos State and now as president, has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities. The economy is on the rebound, with projected growth rates of 3.6 percent for the current fiscal year and an increase in oil production exceeding 1.8 million barrels per day.

“Foreign reserves are growing, local refineries are back in operation, and food inflation is declining as multiple exchange rates are harmonized, bolstering foreign investment and remittances. Additionally, the Nigerian stock exchange has been recognized as one of the most profitable in the world.

“While global institutions commend President Tinubu’s economic reforms, Obi and his fellow opposition members persist in their partisan rhetoric, failing to recognize the administration’s remarkable achievements.”

The statement concluded by affirming that “President Tinubu remains focused and undistracted, committed to improving governance and economic conditions for all Nigerians.”