NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST Episode 11

NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST

Episode 11

By NYFA Editors

The APC's Stick and Carrot Politics: Coercion, Corruption, and the Erosion of Democracy.

The utilisation of coercive measures and corrupt practices by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has precipitated a profound crisis of democracy in Nigeria. The party's endeavour to consolidate power and suppress opposition has been facilitated by its influence over government agencies, notably the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC's selective application of justice has been particularly egregious, as evidenced by its treatment of opposition politicians, including Senator Tambuwal, Governor Ademola Adeleke and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

The EFCC's Selective Justice
The EFCC's actions in the cases of Senator Tambuwal and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa exemplify the commission's propensity for selective justice. Senator Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, was taken into custody by the EFCC on August 11th, which alleged that he diverted N189 billion from the state's account to private individuals' accounts. However, during his administration, Tambuwal's government implemented various projects, including road construction, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The demand for the entire allocation of N189 billion raises questions about the motivations behind the EFCC's actions and whether they are driven by a desire for justice or political vendetta.

Coercion and Corruption
The APC's utilisation of coercion and corruption has also been evident in its treatment of state governors and other politicians. The Osun State Governor's refusal to join the APC has resulted in his state being denied its allocation despite his party's public endorsement of the president. This "carrot and stick" politics undermines democracy and threatens stability.

Endorsements
- Dame Patience's Endorsement: Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, publicly endorsed President Tinubu's re-election bid, reportedly due to the return of seized funds and assets by the previous Buhari government.
- Nyesom Wike's Endorsement: Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, a chieftain of PDP, endorsed Tinubu following allegations from his successor about mismanagement of funds.
- Governor Adeleke's Endorsement: Governor Adeleke endorsed Tinubu in order to get state allocation; however, his refusal to join the APC has not helped him secure his state's allocation.
- Other Governors' Endorsements: Several other governors, such as Governor Imo Eno, have also endorsed Tinubu for fear of oppression.
- APC's Endorsement: The APC endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in July 2025.

The Tinubu Borrowing Spree and Luxury Spending.

The Tinubu administration has borrowed a staggering N57 trillion in just 23 months. The implications of the government's excessive borrowing and luxury spending are far-reaching, including increased poverty, widening inequality, lack of access to basic services, and unsustainable debt.

Conclusion
The APC's stick and carrot politics have serious implications for Nigeria's democracy. The party's use of coercion and corruption undermines the very fabric of democracy and threatens the stability of the country. The government's excessive borrowing and luxury spending have exacerbated poverty and inequality, leaving millions of Nigerians struggling to survive. It is imperative that the government prioritises the welfare of its citizens and addresses the pressing issues in the health system and economy to ensure a more equitable and prosperous society for all Nigerians, rather than suppressing democracy and the rule of law.

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