Tinubu’s Government Better than PDP Era, Nigerians Happier – APC Chieftain Agbakahi Claims

Amidst mounting economic challenges across the country, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), George Agbakahi, has asserted that Nigeria is in a better state under President Bola Tinubu’s administration compared to previous Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governments.

Agbakahi made this assertion on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s News Programme, insisting that Nigerians are now “happier” than they were during the PDP years.

“Of course, Nigeria of today is a lot better than Nigeria of the PDP days,” he said. “Just look at some of the initiatives that the current president has put in place.”

Citing examples, the APC stalwart pointed to the student loan programme recently launched by the Tinubu administration, which he described as a historic milestone that is helping Nigerian families.

He also referenced the provision of free technical and vocational education as part of wider reforms targeting the country’s youth and workforce development.

“In the history of Nigeria, apart from student loans for tertiary institutions, vocational and technical institutions are now free. People are learning carpentry, welding, and other trades – all free of charge,” he stated.

Agbakahi further highlighted the government’s embrace of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), electric vehicles, and renewed investments in infrastructure and innovation as clear indicators of progress.

When asked about the increasing levels of multidimensional poverty under the current administration, Agbakahi defended the government’s economic decisions, attributing the hardship to necessary reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and the unification of exchange rates.

“Yes, the poverty level is high, but that is the price we are paying for correcting years of artificial economic growth sustained by unsustainable subsidies,” he said.

He argued that past administrations, including those led by Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and the late Muhammadu Buhari, all recognised the need to end subsidies but failed to act decisively.

“President Tinubu came in, saw the rot, and made the tough call. He said it would be difficult, but it is easing up now,” Agbakahi insisted.

The APC chieftain also cited ongoing interventions such as the Bank of Industry’s N200 billion SME fund, the Bank of Agriculture’s initiatives, and the N100 billion Youth Investment Fund as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to economic recovery and inclusive development.

“You cannot compare the PDP days with this current administration. It’s not even doable,” he declared.

Agbakahi’s comments come as Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, food insecurity, and a high cost of living. However, the federal government maintains that the economic pain is transitional and necessary for long-term growth and stability.