The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, over his recent remarks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed Obi’s claims made on Arise TV, where he suggested he would have managed Nigeria’s economy better than Tinubu.
APC’s Response to Obi’s Criticism
APC rebuked Obi’s economic arguments, describing them as senseless and lacking depth. The party likened him to “an unlicensed backseat driver” who wrongly sees himself as a skilled race car driver.
According to APC:
1. Tinubu’s governance record surpasses Obi’s, both as former Governor of Lagos State and now as President.
2. Global institutions and experts are acknowledging Nigeria’s economic progress, while the opposition refuses to recognize these successes.
3. Tinubu remains focused on improving governance and economic conditions despite political distractions.
Tinubu’s Economic Achievements, According to APC
APC outlined several accomplishments of Tinubu’s administration, including:
1. Economic Growth: Nigeria’s economy is projected to grow by 3.6% in the current fiscal year.
2. Foreign Reserves & Forex Stability: A successful harmonization of multiple exchange rates has boosted foreign direct investments and remittance inflows.
3. Debt Reduction: The administration cleared a $7 billion forex backlog and reduced the debt servicing ratio from 98% to about 64%.
4. Oil Sector Gains: Nigeria’s oil production has surpassed OPEC’s quota, reaching 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd).
5. Agriculture & Manufacturing Growth: The government is expanding agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and creative industries to boost non-oil contributions to GDP.
APC insisted that Tinubu’s leadership is driving an “economic revolution”, and opposition figures like Obi should acknowledge the government’s successes rather than engage in “empty partisan criticism.”
