The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his recent assertions that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are steering Nigeria towards a path of “failure and renewed hopelessness.” The ruling party firmly insists that the nation requires policy continuity and the consolidation of ongoing reforms, rather than a radical economic “reset,” particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s Critique: A Call for New Economic Direction
Peter Obi, in a recent interview on Channels Television, expressed profound concern over the direction of the country under President Tinubu’s leadership, suggesting that the President should consider stepping aside. He painted the administration’s economic agenda as one marked by profound disappointment, advocating for an entirely different approach to tackle Nigeria’s pressing economic and governance challenges.
APC Defends Reforms, Prioritizes Continuity
Responding to Obi’s remarks, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), issued a statement on Monday, refuting the call for a complete policy overhaul. Arodiogbu argued that the Tinubu administration has meticulously laid a crucial foundation for economic recovery. He urged Nigerians to back the ongoing reforms, cautioning against abandoning them for what he termed “another political experiment.”
According to the APC chieftain, pivotal reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, strategic exchange rate adjustments, and comprehensive fiscal restructuring were deliberately introduced to reposition the economy for sustainable, long-term growth. He acknowledged the initial difficulties these policies presented but emphasized that they are now showing positive results and require fortification, not reversal.
“The priority for Nigeria should be the consolidation of ongoing economic gains, not the laying of a new foundation,” Arodiogbu asserted, describing Obi’s proposition for a complete policy reset as “counterproductive” at a time when the nation is navigating necessary but challenging economic adjustments.
Lack of Practical Alternatives and the Importance of National Interest
Arodiogbu further criticised Obi for what he perceived as a tendency to highlight national challenges without offering practical, realistic alternatives that align with current economic realities. He stressed that Nigeria’s progress hinges on leadership committed to policy consistency, continuity, and tangible expansion in areas like revenue generation and infrastructure development, rather than mere political rhetoric.
The APC vice chairman implored Nigerians to assess political figures based on their verifiable governance records, factual achievements, and proven capability to sustain economic progress. He underscored that regions, including the South-East, stand to gain more from the consistent implementation of existing reforms than from discarding established economic foundations.
Ultimately, Arodiogbu called on all political leaders to prioritize national interest over partisan considerations. He highlighted that crucial factors like investor confidence, robust infrastructure development, sustainable job creation, and overall economic stability are directly tied to the continuity of well-crafted policies, not abrupt and disruptive reversals.
Optimism for Sustainable Development
Expressing optimism regarding the government’s economic trajectory, Arodiogbu predicted that more Nigerians would begin to experience the tangible benefits of these reforms as they mature, manifesting through increased investment, improved productivity, and expanded economic opportunities.
The APC reaffirmed its conviction that Nigeria’s path to sustainable development is paved by consolidating current gains, prudently refining policies when necessary, and delivering concrete benefits to its citizens. The party called for continued public support for the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda in anticipation of the 2027 elections.