…says Party prioritizes revenue over welfare
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of dismantling the gains and legacies of previous civilian administrations, warning that Nigeria’s economic and social progress has been severely undermined.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Obi said, “On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained independence to global acclaim as an emerging African economic and political power.
“Such was our potential that Time Magazine predicted the rise of a true African superpower that would lead the continent with pride. Our founding fathers fought for independence with confidence, passion, and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria that would stand alongside the world’s most advanced nations. Unfortunately, tragic failures of leadership derailed this vision. Yet despite these setbacks, Nigeria has always shown resilience.”
Obi traced the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, lamenting that “over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished. Today, more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. This number grows daily under an APC government that pursues brutal, revenue-driven policies while ignoring the welfare of its people. Nigeria now ranks among the lowest in the world on human development indicators. Much of this decline is due to the neglect of the legacies of previous administrations.”
Highlighting fiscal mismanagement and economic hardship, he said, “This government taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while indulging in extravagance. Billions are spent on new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars that cost more than the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare.
“The Vice President’s residence was renovated at a cost of N25 billion, more than the combined capital budgets of six major federal university teaching hospitals.”
Obi added with a call for visionary governance, stating, “What we need is competent, compassionate, and committed leadership. Our priority must be prudent economic management, investment in human capital, the rule of law, and infrastructure development.
“We must mobilise our enormous natural resources to drastically reduce poverty and achieve rapid, sustained growth. The old politics must end, and a new politics of prosperity for all must begin by honouring the legacies of previous administrations. Against all odds, we will return Nigeria to the path of prosperity and justice. We will not relent. We will not be discouraged. The mission is clear: Nigeria will rise again.”
