Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has sharply criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for diminishing Nigeria’s achievements on the country’s 65th Independence anniversary. Obi lamented that under the APC’s decade-long rule, Nigeria has suffered severe setbacks economically, politically, and socially.
In a speech titled “A Great Nigeria Is Still Possible," delivered in Abuja on October 1, 2025, Obi traced Nigeria’s promising trajectory from independence in 1960 and through periods of democratic progress. He highlighted landmark achievements under previous administrations, including debt forgiveness during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency and Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy by 2014 under Goodluck Jonathan.
However, Obi criticized the APC government for reversing these gains. He cited an astronomical rise in national debt from N2.5 trillion in 2007 to about N175 trillion nearly 50% of GDP alongside worsening poverty, with over 15 million Nigerians pushed into acute poverty in just one year. He noted a decline in healthcare, education, water, and sanitation services affecting more than 150 million Nigerians.
Obi condemned APC’s heavy taxation on struggling citizens and small businesses while indulging in extravagant spending on presidential jets, luxury vehicles, and costly renovations, including N25 billion spent on the Vice President’s residence, overshadowing vital healthcare budgets.
Security failures have left Nigerians living in fear, with rampant kidnapping and insecurity crippling the economy and scaring away investors. Obi described Nigeria as one of the most terrorized and unsafe nations globally, adding that corruption and cronyism have further damaged investor confidence.
Despite these harsh realities, Obi expressed confidence that with competent, compassionate, and committed leadership focused on prudent economic management, investment in human capital, and infrastructure development, Nigeria can still reclaim its path to greatness.