BREAKING: APC Blames Atiku, El-Rufai, and Amaechi for Nigeria’s Deepening Poverty Crisis — Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a fierce political counteroffensive against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, accusing them of failing to address Nigeria’s systemic poverty during their decades-long presence in government.

This was contained in a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made available to the press.

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APC: Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi Failed Nigeria

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the ruling party accused the three prominent politicians—two of whom are former members of the APC—of hypocrisy, self-interest, and complicity in perpetuating the conditions that have left millions of Nigerians impoverished.

“In 24 years, the trio of Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai—either individually or collectively—held key positions at both state and national levels. Yet, they failed to address the poverty they now hypocritically criticize,” Morka stated.

According to the APC, these political heavyweights benefited from power but contributed nothing substantial to alleviating widespread poverty, choosing instead to protect entrenched interests.

 

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‘Amaechi is Hungry for Power, Not for Reform’ — APC Fires Back

Particularly scathing was the APC’s response to recent remarks by Rotimi Amaechi, whom it described as a “serial political opportunist” and rent-seeker.

“When Amaechi says he is hungry, he means he’s desperate to return to feeding off state resources. He spent nearly a quarter of a century in government without any real effort to lift people out of poverty,” the statement read.

The APC accused the former Transportation Minister of freeloading through years of public office with negligible impact on economic welfare either in Rivers State or at the national level.

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Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Are Bold and Necessary — APC

Felix Morka defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly his administration’s decision to liberalize fuel pricing and float the naira, describing them as “bold but necessary” reforms to rescue Nigeria’s struggling economy.

“President Tinubu is restructuring an economy built on consumption, rent-seeking, and import dependence. Unlike previous administrations, his government is pursuing structural reforms that lay the foundation for a self-reliant, productive economy,” he noted.

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APC Takes Swipe at Atiku and Peter Obi

TJ News Nigeria learned that the APC also turned its criticism towards opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, alleging they profited from a flawed economic structure that encouraged import dependency while stifling local production.

“Atiku, a former Customs officer, and Obi, a known importer, benefitted immensely from the same system they now pretend to oppose. Their criticisms of Tinubu’s reforms are not about the people, but about preserving their personal interests,” Morka alleged.

The APC further described their current criticisms as attempts to sabotage the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for political gain.

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Tinubu Fighting Poverty with Political Will — APC Insists

The party highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda as a long-term plan to attract investment, boost local industry, and create jobs, positioning Tinubu as a decisive leader willing to take unpopular but critical decisions.

“In just two years, Tinubu has done more to fight the root causes of poverty than any modern Nigerian President. His reforms are tough, but they are the only path to sustainable economic recovery and shared prosperity,” the statement concluded.

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Quick Summary

• Public Accusation: APC blames Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai for entrenched poverty in Nigeria.

• Reform Defense: President Tinubu’s economic decisions are strategic and focused on long-term recovery.

• Opposition Critique: The party describes critics as beneficiaries of a failed system.

• Focus Areas: Naira floatation, subsidy removal, structural reform, investment promotion.

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Context and Implications

This fiery rebuttal by the APC comes amid growing criticism of rising inflation, fuel scarcity, and currency instability under Tinubu’s leadership. However, the ruling party insists these challenges are temporary pains necessary for long-term gains.

Political observers believe this statement signals the beginning of a deeper 2027 electoral showdown, as former allies turned opponents increasingly mount pressure on the Tinubu administration.