The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has been accused of prioritising self-promotion over the well-being of Nigerians.
News About Nigeria reports that his recent statement on the country’s economic situation has been criticised for containing half-truths, distortions, and misinformation aimed at mobilising outrage against the APC government.
This was contained in a statement by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday.
Morka said that Obi’s claim that the economic crisis was caused by nine years of APC-led administration is a dishonest and misleading assessment of Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
He said that in reality, the country’s economic decline began under the PDP’s watch, with GDP growth plummeting from 7.98% in 2010 to 2.79% in 2015.
The APC said that the global oil price crash, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic have further impacted Nigeria’s economy.
Despite these challenges, the APC administration has made efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment through diversification, infrastructure development, social welfare programs, agricultural revolution, and improved national security.
The party added that the administration’s efforts have attracted over $20 billion in investments, recorded a trade surplus, and expanded foreign reserves.
Morka said that the Nigerian Stock Exchange has also seen significant growth, making it one of the most profitable capital markets in the world.
The spokesperson added that the IMF projects a 3.1% GDP growth for Nigeria in 2024, one of the highest in Africa.
The ruling party stated that Obi’s criticism of the government’s efforts is seen as selfish and hypocritical, given his own failure to accomplish significant economic transformation during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
The APC has urged Obi to engage in constructive opposition politics rather than spreading false narratives and mobilising outrage.
