The All Progressives Congress (APC) has labeled Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), as Nigeria’s “leading prophet of doom.” This declaration follows Obi’s recent comments regarding the deteriorating political, economic, and security conditions in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The controversy erupted after Obi participated in a media chat where he expressed grave concerns about the country’s current trajectory. He highlighted that Nigeria has fallen from being Africa’s largest economy, boasting a GDP of $574 billion and a per capita income exceeding $3,500 in 2014, to now ranking fourth on the continent. His assertion that the nation’s situation is worsening daily stands in stark contrast to the optimistic claims made by the ruling party.
In response to Obi’s statements, APC Publicity Secretary Felix Morka issued a robust rebuttal, criticizing Obi for what they termed misleading claims. Morka emphasized that all indicators suggest Nigeria is experiencing a rebound across various sectors, effectively branding Obi as a doomsayer. He stated, “Obi’s New Year message…is misleading and appears intended to score cheap political points.” This statement reflects the APC’s strategy of countering opposition narratives while reinforcing their own governance achievements.
Morka further criticized Obi for positioning himself as an omniscient figure capable of solving national challenges while failing to deliver significant accomplishments during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra State. He remarked, “It is ironic that Peter Obi, who now arrogates to himself to be omniscient and philosopher’s stone…left no record of significant achievement.”
The APC’s response also highlighted ongoing government efforts to address economic challenges. Morka pointed out that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has made strides in reducing debt servicing ratios and improving foreign direct investment confidence. He claimed that farmers are now earning higher incomes due to increased federal allocations and that the administration is committed to enhancing food production and lowering prices for essential goods.
Obi’s remarks have ignited a broader discussion about Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. He painted a grim picture of rising poverty levels, stating that over 100 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. He criticized Tinubu for spending a significant portion of his time abroad during his presidency rather than focusing on domestic issues. In his New Year message, Obi urged Tinubu to prioritize urgent reforms and engage directly with the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
The exchange between the APC and Obi underscores the heightened political tensions as Nigeria navigates complex economic realities. While the ruling party defends its record and promotes optimism about recovery, opposition figures like Obi continue to voice concerns about governance failures and the impact on citizens’ lives.
As this political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how these contrasting narratives will influence public perception and voter sentiment leading up to future elections. The APC’s labeling of Peter Obi as a “prophet of doom” not only reflects their attempt to discredit opposition voices but also highlights the deep divisions within Nigerian politics regarding accountability and governance effectiveness.
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