The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that its accomplishments are irrefutable and render opposition approval irrelevant.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, rebuffed comments made by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who recently criticized Tinubu’s economic reforms. Morka dismissed Obi’s assertions as “overdramatic” and rooted in political frustration.
During an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Obi argued that he could have executed the administration’s economic strategies more efficiently. He also accused the Tinubu government of fueling internal discord within the Labour Party.
However, Morka defended the administration’s track record, highlighting several key achievements, including the settlement of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and addressing over $30 billion in Ways and Means liabilities. He noted that the government had successfully reduced the debt service ratio from 98% to approximately 64%, while boosting oil production to over 1.8 million barrels per day — surpassing the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) benchmark of 1.5 million barrels per day for the first time in years.
Morka described Obi’s criticisms as misguided and politically motivated, stating:
“To be honest, it was painful to watch Mr. Obi as he laboured in vain to cobble together any sensible critical economic argument in the face of the stark and undeniable record of progress of the administration’s economic reforms.”
He further accused Obi of sensationalizing temporary hardships faced by Nigerians as the nation adjusts to Tinubu’s bold economic initiatives.
Morka also took a swipe at Obi’s past leadership as Governor of Anambra State, describing it as a “failed and forgotten administration” characterized by economic stagnation and infrastructural decay. He contrasted this with Tinubu’s legacy as former Governor of Lagos State and his current role as President, crediting him with transforming challenges into opportunities and driving economic recovery.
Highlighting the administration’s milestones, Morka pointed to the harmonization of multiple exchange rates, increased foreign direct investment, and the stabilization of the forex market. He also noted positive economic indicators, such as a projected 3.6% growth rate and the rise of local refineries, while emphasizing the successful reduction of food inflation and expansion of various economic sectors.
Morka concluded by urging opposition leaders to acknowledge the administration’s successes rather than peddling what he termed as baseless criticism, stating:
“Opposition politics is not about denying the administration’s many successes. It is about critiquing what may be wrong but affirming what is right. The steady progress of the Tinubu administration across sectors is undeniable and evident for all Nigerians to see.”
The APC reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to good governance and improving the nation’s economic conditions, maintaining that global institutions and economic experts continue to commend his transformative efforts.
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