The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed criticism by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigeria needs continuity in its economic policies rather than a fresh direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, stated this on Monday while reacting to Obi’s recent interview on Channels Television, where the former Anambra State governor urged President Tinubu to step aside, arguing that the country was heading in the wrong direction under his leadership.
Obi had described the Tinubu administration as one marked by “failure and renewed hopelessness,” maintaining that Nigeria requires a different leadership approach to address its economic and governance challenges.
Responding, Arodiogbu defended the administration’s economic agenda, saying the government had laid a solid foundation for long-term recovery through key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate adjustments, and fiscal restructuring.
According to him, although the reforms have been difficult for many Nigerians, they are beginning to produce positive results and should be strengthened rather than abandoned.
“The priority for Nigeria should be the consolidation of ongoing economic gains, not the laying of a new foundation,” Arodiogbu said.
He described Obi’s call for a complete policy reset as counterproductive, arguing that reversing the current reforms would undermine efforts to reposition the economy for sustainable growth.
The APC chieftain also accused Obi of consistently highlighting Nigeria’s challenges without presenting practical alternatives that align with current economic realities.
He stressed that the country needs leadership committed to policy consistency, improved revenue generation, infrastructure development, and economic stability rather than political rhetoric.
Arodiogbu urged Nigerians to assess political leaders based on their governance records, verifiable achievements, and ability to sustain economic progress.
He added that the South-East and other regions of the country stand to benefit more from the continued implementation of the current reforms than from abandoning the economic framework already established.
Calling on political leaders to prioritise national interest over partisan politics, Arodiogbu said investor confidence, job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic stability depend on the continuity of well-designed policies.
Expressing confidence in the administration’s economic direction, he said more Nigerians would begin to experience the benefits of the reforms as they mature through increased investment, higher productivity, and expanded economic opportunities.
He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to consolidating existing gains, refining policies where necessary, and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians, while urging citizens to continue supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Comments