By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Monday’s Presidential media chat, stating that it further highlights the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s utter disregard for the severe hardship currently plaguing Nigerians.
This hardship, a result of poorly implemented policies, has exacerbated the suffering of citizens and deepened the economic crisis.
The PDP expresses grave concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration that he has no regrets over the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy.
The sudden policy shift, executed without any compensatory measures, has severely impacted the nation’s productive sector, driven up the cost of living, and pushed millions into extreme poverty.
The party underscores that this stance shows the APC’s detachment from the core responsibility of government: the welfare and security of the people.
In the media chat, President Tinubu admitted that Nigerians are bearing the consequences of the APC’s failure to effectively secure national borders, which has allowed the smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.
Despite the significant financial savings from subsidy removal, the Nigerian people continue to suffer, with no sign of the funds being redirected to alleviate their burdens.
PDP also finds President Tinubu’s claims about economic improvements under his leadership misleading.
The nation’s economy has only worsened in the last 18 months, marked by a collapsed productive sector, a plummeting Naira (trading at N1,700 to the US Dollar), rampant inflation (34.6%), and soaring unemployment (40%).
The recent food stampede that claimed 80 lives underscores the perilous conditions Nigerians are enduring under the APC.
The PDP highlights the APC's failure to invest in crucial sectors such as agriculture, electricity, petroleum, and small enterprises — sectors that are key to revitalizing the national economy. Instead of offering solutions, the APC continues to disregard the dire state of the nation.
Equally troubling is President Tinubu’s assertion that Nigerians can now travel freely and safely by road.
This comes despite the ongoing threat of banditry, kidnappings, and armed robbery, not to mention the decaying condition of Nigeria’s highways. The PDP challenges President Tinubu to experience the reality for himself.
We urge him to travel by road from Abuja to Lagos, visit local markets, and walk through any city to truly understand the suffering faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The PDP calls on the APC administration to acknowledge its failures and take decisive action to address the crisis.
This was contained in a statement signed by:
Hon. Deborah Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary.
