The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
The party stated that the administration’s successes are evident and require no validation from the opposition.
Obi, during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, accused President Tinubu of failing in the implementation of economic reforms, claiming he would have performed better if he were in office.
However, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, issued a strongly worded response rejecting Obi’s assertions.
Morka described Obi’s remarks as a display of ‘frustration and political desperation’, arguing that the economic policies of the Tinubu administration have led to significant progress across various sectors.
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According to the APC spokesperson, Obi’s continued claims of being a better alternative reflect an ‘election failure-induced hangover’ and a refusal to accept the reality that he is not the president.
The ruling party emphasised that opposition politics should be about constructive criticism rather than outright denial of progress.
It highlighted several economic achievements under Tinubu, including a forecasted 3.6 per cent economic growth for the current fiscal year, a steady increase in foreign reserves, operational local refineries, and the successful harmonization of multiple exchange rates, which has boosted foreign direct investment and remittances.
Other listed achievements include the clearance of a $7 billion forex backlog, reduction of the debt servicing ratio from 98 per cent to approximately 64 per cent, increased oil production exceeding 1.8 million barrels per day—surpassing OPEC’s quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for the first time in years—and a thriving stock exchange market ranked among the most profitable globally.
The statement also pointed out growth in the agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and creative sectors, contributing to a more diversified economy.
The APC further criticised Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, accusing him of leaving behind a legacy of economic stagnation, infrastructural decay, and religious polarization.
The party asserted that Tinubu, both as former governor of Lagos State and now as president, has demonstrated ‘bold and unwavering’ leadership, transforming challenges into opportunities.
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Citing a recent assessment by Chatham House, which adjudged Nigeria’s economy as the most competitive it has been in 25 years, the APC argued that global institutions and economic experts recognize the country’s economic recovery, even as Obi and other opposition figures continue to deny the administration’s progress.
“President Tinubu remains undistracted and focused on securing good governance and improved economic conditions for all Nigerians,” the statement added.
