Today, I present this column as a critique of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) governance in Nigeria. In my view, the party has had a detrimental impact on the country. I write this piece with a sense of responsibility, and I understand that my perspective may appear overly critical and one-sided, as I will not be acknowledging any progress made under the APC’s governance in Nigeria. However, I have chosen to omit this to allow those who hold this view to respond. Nonetheless, I am confident that even the most ardent supporters of the party will concede that the following lines are factually accurate.
Since the inception of the APC government in 2015, Nigeria has witnessed a multitude of challenges, including heightened poverty, unemployment, widening inequality, insecurity, inflation, and poor economic governance. The APC administrations have presided over a remarkable degradation of various aspects of Nigerian life, while simultaneously engaging in a relentless blame game that attributes the current crises to the previous administration of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Although it is crucial to acknowledge the PDP’s shortcomings, it is equally important to recognize their positive contributions, such as the commendable economic policies and genuine leadership exhibited during the administrations of Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, and even Jonathan, who had a robust economic team. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge that the PDP has played a significant positive role in Nigeria’s political and economic development, despite their shortcomings.
Under the APC administrations, Nigeria has experienced a significant decline in economic indicators, including an alarming rise in poverty levels and unemployment rates. Nearly 200 million Nigerians have fallen below the poverty line due to ineffective economic policies and corruption. The APC government’s approach to economic management has been heavily criticized for its lack of coherence and strategic direction, in contrast to the relative stability and growth observed under the PDP administrations. Moreover, the PDP’s strengths extended beyond economic policies, as they also played a vital role in promoting national unity and fostering political stability in Nigeria.
Internationally, Nigeria’s reputation has suffered significant setbacks, and its influence has waned in comparison to countries like South Africa and Morocco. This decline can be attributed to a combination of domestic instability, ineffective foreign policy decisions, and the failure to capitalize on diplomatic opportunities.
President Tinubu’s first tenure as the chairman of ECOWAS has been marked by controversies and strategic missteps that have weakened Nigeria’s influence in the region. The management of regional affairs under his leadership has been subject to significant criticism, with claims of preferential treatment toward foreign imperialistic powers over African neighbors, as well as a noticeable divergence from the tenets of Nigerian foreign policy in the pursuit of national interests within the ECOWAS framework.
The inconsistency in question has undermined Nigeria’s customary position as a stabilizing force in West Africa and impaired its international standing, thereby diminishing its capacity to shape regional outcomes. The consequences of this inconsistency extend beyond Nigeria and its neighboring countries, having an impact on the wider international community. The ECOWAS, which was once a region free of great power rivalries, has been elevated to such a position by president Tinubu of Nigeria.
Back home, governance under the APC has been characterized by a series of trial-and-error approaches across various sectors, from national planning to national security and public administration. Policies have often appeared haphazard, lacking continuity and foresight, contributing to the prevailing sense of insecurity and economic instability. The absence of a coherent national orientation strategy has further fueled public disillusionment, leaving many Nigerians feeling disconnected from their government’s priorities.
One of the most striking economic failures under the APC government has been the sharp depreciation of our currency, the Naira. The decision to float the currency was intended to stimulate economic growth but instead led to its rapid devaluation, eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians and intensifying inflationary pressures. In contrast, during the PDP years, the Naira maintained a more stable value, providing greater economic predictability and confidence.
The government’s misguided priorities have become evident in its extravagant spending on presidential luxuries and legislative perks, amidst widespread poverty and deprivation among the populace. This insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians has fueled public resentment and intensified calls for accountability and astute management of national resources. Consequently, the government’s inattention to the needs of the populace has led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction and a widespread demand for more responsible and responsive governance.
Perhaps the most devastating consequence of the APC’s governance has been the escalation of insecurity across Nigeria. The Boko Haram insurgency persists in the northeast, while banditry and kidnapping have become rampant in other regions. The government’s response to these security challenges has been criticized as inadequate and ineffective, with allegations of complicity and mismanagement exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Recent incidents, such as the tragic deaths of two university professors due to these preventable criminal acts, highlight the grim reality faced by many Nigerians daily. It is crucial to recognize that these incidents are not isolated occurrences and are symptomatic of deeper societal issues that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
The APC government’s approach to governance has been marked by political maneuvering aimed at consolidating power and maintaining control of the country come 2027. This strategy has included attempts to confuse the public through mixed messaging and diversionary tactics, designed to deflect attention from systemic failures and shortcomings. The overriding goal appears to be the preservation of political dominance, regardless of the social and economic costs borne by ordinary Nigerians. Despite the obvious harm caused by this singular focus, political leaders continue to prioritize their own interests over those of the general population.
Nigeria is currently grappling with a multitude of challenges, which have been exacerbated by the decade-long rule of the APC. The time has come for all patriotic Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to unite in their efforts to oppose the tyranny of the APC regime and work towards rescuing Nigeria from the clutches of misrule and despair. The opposition must come together to present a credible alternative and rally behind a vision of inclusive governance, economic revitalization, and social justice. Only by working together and reaffirming our commitment to democratic principles can Nigeria reclaim its potential and chart a path towards a brighter future for all its citizens.
The APC’s governance since 2015 has been marked by missed opportunities, misplaced priorities, and systemic failures that have left Nigeria adrift. It is crucial that Nigerians demand accountability, transparency, and effective leadership to navigate the country out of its current crisis and towards a more prosperous and equitable future. The current administration must take concrete steps towards achieving these goals, including implementing reforms to improve governance and addressing corruption, to ensure a brighter future for Nigeria.
