PDP Governors Expose APC's Failure: Nation in Total Darkness

Strategic Insights -

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have issued a stern warning to Nigerians, highlighting the devastating consequences of the APC-led Federal Government's mishandling of the nation's affairs. In a communique issued after their meeting in Aba, Abia State, the governors disclosed that the national grid collapsed 126 times in seven years, causing widespread suffering and hardship for Nigerians. They also pointed out several disturbing statistics that illustrate the APC's complete failure in providing qualitative leadership and governance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The national grid collapsed 126 times in seven years (June 2015 to March 2022), causing widespread suffering and hardship for Nigerians.
  • Basic foodstuffs such as rice, beans, and cassava flakes are now out of the hands of average Nigerians due to the increasing prices.
  • A bag of rice that sold for N8,500 in 2015 now costs N39,000, a 350% increase.
  • Electricity tariffs have risen from N14.23 per kilowatt in 2015 to N38.53, with power often being unavailable.
  • Unemployment has risen to over 33%, one of the highest in the world.
  • The poverty rate has increased from 11.3% in 2015 to about 42.8%.
  • Accumulated inflation has increased from 4% in 2015 to 15.5%.
  • The exchange rate has risen from N150 to a dollar in 2015 to about N580 in the parallel market and still rising.
  • The domestic debt has increased from N8.4 trillion (1999-2015) to N7.63 trillion (June 2015-Dec 2020).
  • The external debt has increased from USD7.3 billion to USD21.27 billion between June 2015 and 2021.
  • The corruption index has risen from 136 in 2015 to 150 now.
  • Nigeria's misery index has increased from 14.75% in 2015 to 50.48% in 2021.

Statistics:

  • Prices of basic foodstuffs have increased by 250-300% since 2015.
  • Electricity tariffs have increased by 170% from N14.23 per kilowatt in 2015 to N38.53.
  • Unemployment has risen to over 33%, the highest in the world.
  • Poverty rate has increased from 11.3% in 2015 to 42.8%.
  • Accumulated inflation has increased from 4% in 2015 to 15.5%.
  • External debt has increased from USD7.3 billion in 2015 to USD21.27 billion in 2021.
  • Corruption index has risen from 136 in 2015 to 150 now.
  • Misery index has increased from 14.75% in 2015 to 50.48% in 2021.

Sources:

  • "PDP Governors' Forum Communique" (March 2022)
  • National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
  • Nigeria's Ministry of Finance
  • PDP Governors' Forum
  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)