By Olaitan Ibrahim
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi over their recent remarks against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of seeking power for personal gain.
The ruling party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed claims made at a public lecture in Abuja on Saturday that the Tinubu administration was “weaponising poverty” by failing to curb economic hardship after two years in office.
The event, held to mark the 60th birthday of Amaechi, turned into a platform for criticism of the Federal Government, drawing comments from Amaechi, Atiku, and El-Rufai, all of whom held prominent positions in past administrations.
Responding, the APC described the trio as “displaced rent-seekers” who misused their years in public office and failed to address the structural causes of poverty they now blame on President Tinubu.
“These three individuals collectively held sway between 1999 and 2023, yet made no meaningful effort to eradicate poverty,” Morka said.
“Instead, they indulged in corrupt practices, sold public assets to cronies, and promoted a culture of rent-seeking.”
The party also took a swipe at Amaechi, who held various offices over 24 years, alleging that he contributed little to economic development either in Rivers State or at the federal level.
On Amaechi’s reported remark that he was “hungry,” the APC stated that the former minister’s comment symbolised desperation to return to the privileges of public office, rather than concern for the plight of Nigerians.
The statement also targeted Atiku and Peter Obi, accusing them of benefitting from Nigeria’s former import-dependent economy, and opposing reforms that now threaten their economic interests.
“The criticism of Tinubu’s reforms by Atiku and Obi is not altruistic,” the party noted.
“They are seeking to preserve a system that enriched them at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.”
Defending Tinubu’s policies, the APC said recent economic reforms—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of exchange rates—have begun to deliver results. It pointed to increased investments in oil and gas, growth in local production, job creation, and improved government revenues.
The party added that the reforms had helped states raise their minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, while reducing import dependency and improving trade balances. Nigeria’s economy reportedly grew by 4.6% in the last quarter of 2024, the highest in a decade.
Citing ongoing industrial growth, particularly the output of the Dangote Refinery and manufacturing activities in the South East, the APC said Nigeria is undergoing a “historic economic transformation” driven by production rather than consumption.
While acknowledging the short-term pain caused by some reforms, the party insisted that President Tinubu is building a foundation for long-term economic sustainability and would not be distracted by political attacks.
“President Tinubu is on course,” the statement said. “He remains focused on reshaping the economy in the best interest of Nigerians, regardless of political pressure or partisan criticism.”