The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most challenging period in Nigeria’s history since the Civil War. President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, will mark his first anniversary in office on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP urged President Tinubu to prioritize governance, combat corruption, and address the ongoing fuel crisis. Ologunagba criticized the administration’s policies, which he said have driven many Nigerians into extreme poverty.
“The PDP insists that the current rising insecurity, excruciating poverty, economic hardship, and general despondency necessitating the fleeing of thousands of Nigerians, especially the youths, further confirm that there is no hope in sight with the APC on the saddle,” the statement read.
Ologunagba highlighted the detrimental effects of policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira, implemented without sufficient consideration for the citizens’ welfare and security. He also criticized the arbitrary hike in electricity tariffs and the imposition of multiple taxes on already impoverished Nigerians, noting the lack of corresponding tangible development.
“These ill-thought and poorly implemented policies, without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant rising cost and associated hardship, have driven many into early death and extreme poverty,” Ologunagba stated. He added that many Nigerians have become disillusioned with President Tinubu’s administration, particularly due to inadequate attention to security issues such as widespread killings, kidnappings, and attacks by bandits and terrorists.
The PDP also accused the APC of using poverty as a weapon, resulting in widespread despondency where people are focused solely on survival rather than engaging with government policies and activities. Ologunagba pointed out the lack of accountability regarding the purported savings from the removal of fuel subsidies and the alleged corruption within the APC.
“The APC’s insensitivity and disregard for the people are evident in their failure to account for the expected savings accruing to the Federation Account as a result of the announced fuel subsidy removal,” he said.
Ologunagba lamented the administration’s failure to address significant economic challenges, leading to the departure of multinational corporations and massive job losses. He also highlighted the over 37% unemployment rate, inflation rate of over 33%, and over 200% devaluation of the Naira in the past year.
The PDP urged President Tinubu to use his one-year anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation, critically evaluate his policies, and present a clear economic roadmap to improve the welfare of Nigerians. The party also called for action against corruption and profligacy within the administration.
“The only hope for our nation lies in the performance of PDP governors who continue to deliver life-enhancing citizen empowerment, human capital, and infrastructural development projects,” the statement concluded. “We urge President Tinubu to address these issues and provide a coherent plan for the future.”
