Peter Obi reforms have sparked fresh debate after the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded to the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
The ruling party said Nigeria should sustain the current reforms, argued that the country does not need a fresh economic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, made the remarks on Monday.
During the interview, Obi urged President Tinubu to step aside. He argued that Nigeria was moving in the wrong direction under the current administration.
The former Anambra State governor described the Tinubu administration as one of “failure and renewed hopelessness.” He also said Nigeria needed a different leadership approach to tackle its economic and governance challenges.
Responding, Arodiogbu said the Tinubu administration had laid a solid foundation for economic recovery.
He urged Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms. He warned against abandoning them for what he described as “another political experiment.”
According to him, the Federal Government introduced fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate adjustments and fiscal restructuring to reposition the economy for long-term growth.
Arodiogbu admitted the reforms had created short-term challenges. However, he insisted they had already started producing positive results.
“The priority for Nigeria should be the consolidation of ongoing economic gains, not the laying of a new foundation,” he said.
He argued that reversing the reforms now would undermine the progress already achieved.
Arodiogbu described Obi’s call for a complete policy reset as counterproductive. He also accused the former governor of highlighting Nigeria’s problems without presenting practical alternatives.
He said Obi’s proposals did not reflect current economic realities.
According to Arodiogbu, Nigeria needs leaders who will promote policy consistency and continuity.
He said sustained reforms would strengthen revenue generation. They would also expand infrastructure development and support long-term economic growth.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to judge political leaders by their records, verifiable achievements and ability to sustain economic progress.
He added that the South-East and other parts of the country would benefit from the continued implementation of the government’s reforms.
Instead of abandoning the current policies, Nigeria should build on the economic foundation already laid, he said.
Arodiogbu also urged political leaders to place national interest above partisan politics.
He maintained that investor confidence depends on policy consistency. He added that job creation, infrastructure development and economic stability also require predictable policies.
Expressing confidence in the reforms, Arodiogbu said more Nigerians would benefit as the policies matured.
He said increased investment, higher productivity and expanded economic opportunities would drive sustainable growth.
Finally, Arodiogbu reaffirmed the APC’s position that Nigeria’s development depends on consolidating existing gains. He said the government should refine policies where necessary. He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
