A scathing critique of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) decade-long rule has accused the party of presiding over what it described as a “grand betrayal” of the Nigerian people, as the country grapples with worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and mass poverty.
In an opinion piece titled “From Pledge to Peril: A Decade of the APC and the Grand Betrayal of Nigeria,” written by Ogbuefi Ndigbo, the APC’s rise to power in 2015 was recalled as one fuelled by hope and sweeping promises to fix the economy, secure the nation, fight corruption, and lift millions out of poverty. According to the author, those promises have since collapsed under the weight of current realities.
The piece contrasts economic indicators from 2015 with those of 2025, painting a grim picture of decline. It claims that the naira has fallen from about ₦197 to over ₦1,500 to the dollar, while petrol prices have surged from ₦87 to around ₦930 per litre. Staple goods such as rice, the article notes, have reportedly risen from about ₦8,000 per bag to as high as ₦65,000, with kerosene and diesel also climbing steeply.
According to the commentary, the cost of basic tools of livelihood—including motorcycles, tricycles, and sewing machines—has multiplied several times, making self-employment increasingly unattainable for millions of Nigerians. “How can a nation prosper when its people cannot afford the instruments of their own productivity?” the author queried.
On macroeconomic performance, the piece alleges that Nigeria’s external debt rose from about $9.7 billion in 2015 to over $100 billion, while GDP declined significantly within the same period. It further claims that unemployment and inflation have soared dramatically, and that the number of Nigerians living in poverty has expanded to an estimated 180 million.
The article describes these outcomes as the defining legacy of APC governance, arguing that ordinary Nigerians have been priced out of basic necessities, religious obligations, and dignified living. It calls the situation a failure of policy, priorities, and political leadership.
In a striking tone of contrition, the piece frames itself as an apology to Nigerians, stating that the promised “Change” agenda has instead translated into widespread hardship. It acknowledges alleged failures in tackling corruption, diversifying the economy, and improving security, while lamenting that the burden of governance decisions has fallen most heavily on the poor.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the article urges citizens to abandon blind loyalty and instead subject political actors to “clear-eyed scrutiny.” It calls for a radical course correction anchored on humility, honest reflection, and people-focused governance.
While the opinions expressed are those of the author, the piece reflects a growing public debate over the APC’s record in office and the broader question of accountability as Nigerians confront rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
The article was signed “The APC Leadership,” a framing that has already sparked debate over whether it represents an internal reckoning or a symbolic indictment of the party’s decade in power.
