Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of running Nigeria into decline through what he described as incompetent, corrupt, and divisive leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi lamented that the country, once positioned at independence to be Africa’s giant and a global force, has been greatly weakened under the current administration.
“In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, beginning a renewed journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice. But over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished,” he said.
He decried the rising poverty rate, noting that over 15 million Nigerians were pushed below the poverty line in the administration’s first year. According to him, while citizens are burdened with heavy taxation, leaders continue to indulge in reckless spending on jets, yachts, and luxury cars.
Obi also warned that Nigeria’s debt profile, now at about ₦175 trillion, has done little to improve productive sectors, while insecurity continues to claim lives and billions are paid in ransoms.
“Today, more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. This government taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while leaders feast as the people starve,” he added.
Despite painting a bleak picture, Obi maintained that Nigeria could still recover with competent and people-focused leadership. He urged Nigerians to reject “old politics” and embrace a new era of governance that prioritises prosperity, security, and human development.
President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast earlier, assured citizens that his government’s reforms were yielding results, declaring that “the worst is over” for Nigeria.
