Labour Party’s Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh criticizes the APC-led federal government, attributing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges to its leadership since 2015.
Ezeh’s Scathing Critique: APC’s Incompetence
Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, has blamed Nigeria’s socio-economic struggles on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government. In a press statement issued on Tuesday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Ezeh described APC leaders as “incompetent people without character, who could only build evil and nothing more in the country.”
Ezeh’s comments come in response to the recent award bestowed on Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, by Silverbird as the best-performing minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. While Ezeh congratulated Umahi for his achievement, he used the opportunity to highlight what he sees as the APC’s failure to build on the legacies of previous administrations.
A Surprising Observation: PDP Members Outperforming in APC Government
Ezeh expressed surprise that the few high-performing members of the current administration, including Umahi, originally hail from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He argued that the APC has systematically dismantled the progress made under PDP-led governments since taking power in 2015.
“Surprisingly, but worthy of note, the few performers in this administration all came from the PDP,” Ezeh stated. “APC is totally a party of incompetent people without character, with the capacity to build evil and nothing more. That is why they destroyed everything handed to them in 2015. Nigeria died in 2015—simple!”
Umahi’s Political Prowess: A Force to Reckon With
Despite his criticism of the APC, Ezeh acknowledged Umahi’s political acumen and strategic approach to governance. He described Umahi as a “smart” politician who operates from a position of strength, contrasting him with the “abrasive” style of Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State.
“You can’t compare my brother, Engr. Dave Umahi, to that loquacious Nyesom Wike,” Ezeh said. “Dave operates from a position of strength and does not fight unprepared battles. If you placed Dave in Wike’s position, he would have pretentiously crawled or rolled, if possible, to the religious leaders, kneeled before the governor, and made peace while sharpening his knife for the midnight kill. Dave is smart, while Wike is abrasive!”
Ezeh also predicted that Umahi would remain a significant political force in Ebonyi State and beyond, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Advice to Ebonyi State Governor: Focus on Evidence-Based Governance
Ezeh urged the current Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, to avoid being drawn into conflicts with his predecessor, Umahi. Instead, he advised Nwifuru to focus on “evidence-based governance” driven by data rather than emotions.
“As for those looking for Umahi’s trouble in Ebonyi, it will be unfortunate if Gov. Nwifuru allows himself to be dragged into any conflict with his former boss,” Ezeh cautioned. “Good governance is driven by data, not emotions.”
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Challenges
Ezeh’s critique reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. He argued that these issues stem from the APC’s inability to provide effective leadership and build on the foundations laid by previous administrations.
“Nigeria died in 2015,” Ezeh declared, emphasizing his belief that the country’s decline began with the APC’s rise to power.
A Call for Change
Ezeh’s statement serves as a rallying cry for Nigerians to demand better governance and hold their leaders accountable. While he acknowledged the achievements of individuals like Umahi, he maintained that the APC as a whole has failed to deliver on its promises.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Ezeh’s words underscore the need for a shift in leadership and a renewed focus on the welfare of the people.
