The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting that Nigeria’s priority should be consolidating ongoing reforms rather than embarking on a fresh policy direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, made the remarks on Monday while reacting to Obi’s recent interview on Channels Television, during which the former Anambra State governor said President Tinubu should step aside, arguing that Nigeria was moving in the wrong direction under the current administration.
Obi described the administration’s agenda as one of “failure and renewed hopelessness,” maintaining that the country needs a different leadership approach to address its economic and governance challenges.
Responding, Arodiogbu defended the Federal Government’s economic policies, arguing that the Tinubu administration had laid a solid foundation for long-term economic recovery through reforms designed to address structural challenges.
He cited the removal of petrol subsidy, exchange rate reforms and fiscal restructuring as key measures introduced to reposition the economy, saying the policies, though difficult, were intended to deliver sustainable growth over time.
“The priority for Nigeria should be the consolidation of ongoing economic gains, not the laying of a new foundation,” he said.
According to Arodiogbu, abandoning the current reform agenda at this stage could undermine investor confidence and slow progress already recorded in revenue generation, infrastructure development and broader economic restructuring.
He described Obi’s call for a comprehensive policy reset as counterproductive, arguing that countries undergoing difficult economic transitions require consistency and policy stability.
The APC vice chairman also faulted Obi for what he described as a tendency to focus on national challenges without offering practical alternatives that reflect prevailing economic realities.
He urged Nigerians to evaluate political leaders based on their governance records, verifiable achievements and ability to sustain economic progress.
Arodiogbu added that continued implementation of the administration’s reforms would ultimately translate into increased investment, improved productivity, job creation and broader economic opportunities.
He reaffirmed the APC’s position that Nigeria’s path to sustainable development lies in consolidating existing gains, refining policies where necessary and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
