By Joy Odor
A founding member and prominent Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sunny Monidafe has issued a scathing critique of the current state of governance in Nigeria, warning of rising ethnic hatred, deepening hunger, and what he described as a betrayal of the party’s founding ideals.
In a passionate interview with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the APC Stalwart, who has played a key role in the party’s formation and national campaigns, lamented the worsening socio-political climate in the country, noting that “Nigeria is in dire need of help” and that the atmosphere of hate and disunity is unlike anything he has seen in his 69 years.
“There’s so much hatred in Nigeria today. In all my life, I’ve never seen it this bad,” he said. “People are hungry, the country is in pain, and leaders seem more concerned with silencing criticism than solving real problems.”
He accused the current administration of encouraging divisiveness and weaponizing poverty. “People have weaponized hunger, and that’s dangerous. The President must wake up, people are angry, even within the APC,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, the Chieftain affirmed his commitment to remain within the APC, stating that he was part of its foundation and would not “build a house only to abandon it.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I helped form the APC from ACD to AC to ACN. I won’t leave it now. But I must speak the truth. Nigerians are suffering,” he said, citing that many appointments in the government have been lopsided and have alienated members from other regions and tribes.
Monidafe warned that the party’s reward system is broken and that many loyal members, including himself, have been neglected.
“Ministers are suffering. If you’re not Yoruba, you don’t get anything. That’s the truth,” he said, noting that even his own car had broken down and he couldn’t access promised support from the presidency.
The Chieftain also criticized the appointment process in the party, saying that national Chairmen should be elected, not appointed.
“We made mistakes with Adamu and Ganduje. You don’t appoint a national chairman; you elect one. It is a party of the people, not a few.”
On governance, Monidafe faulted the administration’s constant hiring and firing of key officials.
“If someone has appointed and fired so many ministers even before screening, it’s a sign of failure. There’s no stability, and people are tired,” he said.
He added that the removal of fuel subsidy without proper planning has worsened the hardship in the country.
“Before removing the subsidy, you should have had a proper plan. Not just do it on your own. Now, the dollar is high, prices are skyrocketing, and Nigerians are left to suffer.”
While reaffirming that he is not defecting to any Coalition or Opposition party, Monidafe warned that internal discontent may lead to the ruling party’s downfall if corrective action is not taken.
“This party is in trouble from within. If the APC fails, it will not be because of outsiders, but because of what we’re doing to ourselves.”
The outspoken party Elder concluded with a call to President Tinubu to listen to the people and re-engage with those who worked to bring the party to power.
“You can’t alienate your own people. We put this president there. We deserve to be heard, and Nigerians deserve to be fed. It’s time to fix what is broken, or the 2027 elections will not be easy.”
