APC Accuses Peter Obi of Peddling Falsehoods, Cites Lack of Achievements in Anambra
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a sharp critique of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, accusing him of projecting an image of national expertise without any substantial accomplishments to back it up. The ruling party’s scathing remarks focused on Obi’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State, which they claim was marked by “no significant achievements.”
The attack, which came in response to Obi’s recent New Year message criticizing the current administration, saw APC spokesman, Felix Morka, challenging Obi to take a hard look at his own record before continuing his campaign of pessimism.
“While Nigerians welcomed the new year with hope for a prosperous 2025, Obi seemed trapped in a perpetual cycle of negativity. His incessant complaints about the state of the nation are nothing but attempts to gain political relevance,” Morka said in a statement released Thursday.
According to the APC, Obi’s repeated criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration—particularly his claims about worsening national economic, political, and security conditions—are not only misleading but also a desperate attempt to undermine the success of the ongoing reforms in the country.
Obi, who served as Anambra’s governor from 2006 to 2014, has repeatedly projected himself as a solution to Nigeria’s complex issues, often positioning himself as a moral and intellectual beacon for the country. However, his tenure in Anambra has faced scrutiny, with critics pointing out a lack of concrete development that significantly altered the state’s trajectory.
“Where is the Transformation?”
In a pointed response to Obi’s recent assertions, Morka said that “Obi’s self-proclaimed omniscience as a national problem solver is undermined by the stark reality of his time in office as Governor of Anambra State. Under his leadership, the state saw very few changes that left an enduring impact on its infrastructure, education system, or economy.”
The APC also accused Obi of using the New Year period to score “cheap political points,” rather than recognizing the strides made by the current administration under President Tinubu, whose policies, according to the ruling party, are beginning to show tangible results in various sectors.
Morka specifically referenced the ongoing economic reforms, which he argued are already having a positive impact, particularly in the areas of food production and local drug manufacturing. Despite the challenges faced by Nigerians—especially the high cost of food and essential drugs—President Tinubu, in his New Year address, assured citizens that his government is committed to addressing these issues, including through agricultural reforms aimed at boosting local food production.
“It is ironic,” Morka added, “that Obi, who now presents himself as the nation’s philosopher-king, cannot point to a single legacy from his eight years in Anambra. In contrast, President Tinubu is systematically addressing Nigeria’s foundational issues through concrete reforms.”
Obi’s Record in Anambra: A Closer Look
Peter Obi’s eight-year tenure as Anambra State governor was widely seen as a period of fiscal prudence, with the state’s coffers maintained relatively well. However, critics argue that his administration failed to deliver the kind of transformative infrastructural development that could have significantly improved the lives of the people.
In particular, the state’s roads, which are crucial for trade and mobility, were not substantially upgraded during Obi’s tenure. His administration also faced challenges with education, as despite his investment in educational programs, there was no noticeable increase in educational outcomes or widespread improvements in school facilities.
Obi’s supporters, however, often highlight his role in saving Anambra from the fiscal mismanagement that plagued other states. But these claims, the APC argues, are far outweighed by his inability to bring about long-term economic growth or improve the state’s infrastructure.
During his campaign for the presidency, Obi often touted his administrative experience, positioning himself as the “man with the solution” to Nigeria’s many problems. Yet, critics contend that he has yet to prove that his governance style could translate into national success.
Political Irrelevance and the Battle for 2023
Obi’s vocal opposition to Tinubu’s government, particularly his claims about worsening security and the economy, seem to stem from the reality that his influence in Nigerian politics is waning. According to political analysts, while Obi’s rise during the 2023 election reflected a yearning for a new kind of leadership, his political relevance has since been questioned, especially as Tinubu consolidates power and continues his ambitious reform agenda.
“Peter Obi and the opposition have clearly failed to comprehend the reality of the new political landscape in Nigeria,” said political analyst Durojaiye Olorunfemi. “Tinubu’s reformist approach, despite the challenges, is already reshaping the nation’s future. And the more Obi cries foul without presenting any practical solutions or a record of accomplishment, the more irrelevant he becomes.”
Morka also emphasized that Obi’s constant calls for a return to “Nigeria’s former glory” through pessimistic rhetoric only serve to alienate those seeking progress. “His campaign seems to be grounded in nostalgia for a past that never was, rather than in a vision for the future,” Morka stated.
The Way Forward: A Vision for Nigeria
While the APC has been quick to downplay Obi’s role in national discourse, the ruling party continues to project optimism for the future. President Tinubu’s reforms, they assert, are already yielding fruit, with early signs of economic recovery, especially in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and local drug production.
APC members are quick to highlight the administration’s focus on expanding Nigeria’s production capacity, improving infrastructure, and addressing the country’s energy crisis. These efforts, they argue, will begin to show tangible improvements for ordinary Nigerians in the coming years.
“While Peter Obi and his associates continue to cry wolf, President Tinubu is building a better Nigeria, one step at a time. The long-term benefits of these reforms will soon be evident to all,” said Morka.
