SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government over what it described as repeated attacks on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, urging the administration to focus instead on the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.
The party said the government should prioritize addressing the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, and growing financial pressure on households rather than engaging in political exchanges with opposition figures.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson of the NDC National Campaign Council, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu.
According to the party, Obi’s comments on Nigeria’s economic performance should be treated as an opportunity for constructive debate, particularly when they concern issues affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
The NDC argued that economic statistics are essential tools for measuring government performance, identifying policy failures, and determining whether public policies are delivering meaningful results.
It maintained that an administration confident in its economic achievements should respond to criticism with credible data rather than personal attacks.
“The government should provide credible figures to counter Obi’s claims where necessary rather than attack him for drawing attention to the challenges facing the country,” the statement said.
To support its position, the party highlighted the sharp increases in the prices of essential commodities since 2023, including petrol, rice, cement, and bread.
It claimed that petrol, which sold for an average of N238.11 per liter in May 2023, now costs between N1,300 and N1,435 in 2026.
Similarly, the NDC said a 50 kg bag of rice, previously sold for between N35,000 and N40,000, now costs between N50,000 and N90,000, depending on the brand and market.
The party also cited rising construction costs, noting that cement prices had increased from between N4,010 and N5,300 to between N10,500 and N15,000 per 50 kg bag. Bread prices, it added, had climbed from N500-N700 to between N1,200 and N2,000.
Housing affordability was another major concern, with the party claiming that rents in major cities, particularly Lagos and Abuja, had increased by between 80 and 120 per cent.
Beyond presenting these figures, the NDC challenged the Federal Government to publish its own economic data, explain its methodology, and identify any inaccuracies in Obi’s analysis.
It also urged the administration to study the development strategies of countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, Rwanda, Morocco, and India, particularly their approaches to poverty reduction and economic growth.
The intervention comes as political conversations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with economic performance, insecurity, and the welfare of citizens expected to remain central campaign issues.
For millions of Nigerians, however, the debate goes beyond political disagreements. The more immediate concern is whether government policies can translate into affordable food, manageable transportation costs, better living conditions, and improved economic opportunities.
The NDC insisted that Nigerians deserve leadership willing to acknowledge challenges, learn from successful economies, and take responsibility for delivering results.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
