The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, labeling them as unsuccessful politicians driven by a desperate quest for power motivated solely by self-interest. In a statement released, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka defended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that his reforms have initiated an unprecedented economic transformation in Nigeria.
Morka highlighted that these reforms, which focus on realistic pricing of the naira and fuel, are gradually transitioning the nation from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one. The statement follows recent criticisms from Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai, who accused Tinubu of exacerbating poverty in Nigeria through his economic policies.
The APC rebutted these accusations by pointing out that Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai have all held significant political positions from 1999 to 2023 yet failed to address the issues they now attribute to Tinubu’s administration. Morka emphasized that during their tenures, they did not eradicate poverty or tackle the structural challenges that have plagued the economy.
He specifically criticized Amaechi, describing his lengthy political career as one of freeloading on state resources without making any significant attempts to combat poverty. Morka suggested that Amaechi’s recent statements about being “hungry” are indicative of his desperation to regain power and access to state resources.
The APC asserted that the motivations behind the criticisms from Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai are self-serving, aimed at regaining influence over a system that has been disrupted by Tinubu’s reforms. The party claimed these former leaders are struggling to adapt to a new economic environment that prioritizes hard work, productivity, and innovation over personal gain.
Morka further attributed the current economic challenges to the failures of previous administrations, particularly the 16 years under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which he argued allowed the naira to become artificially overvalued, stifling local production and exacerbating poverty. He contended that by allowing market forces to determine the naira’s value, the Tinubu administration is taking necessary steps to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty.
The APC concluded that their critics are attempting to cling to an outdated, rent-seeking economy that has benefited them at the expense of the Nigerian people. The party emphasized that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigerians in productive sectors are experiencing newfound opportunities and income, marking a significant shift in the economic landscape.
