Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of diminishing what was once a promising nation at Nigeria’s independence.

He stated this at a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Wednesday.

“In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, beginning a renewed journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice.

“That journey helped us build Africa’s largest economy and strengthen democratic institutions. But over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished,” said Obi.

Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, said Nigeria had been poised at independence in 1960 to not only be the giant of Africa but a world powerhouse.

He argued that despite the polices of the current administration plunging over 15 million people below the poverty line in its first year alone, it still pursues a tax regime, demanding its citizens pay more to the government despite benefiting little or nothing in return.

“Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about ₦175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors. Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as ‘undemocratic.’” he stated.