A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for blaming the opposition for Nigeria’s economic hardship.
Tinubu had spoken at the APC presidential campaign flag-off at Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, where he said his administration was working to address hardship allegedly caused by the opposition.
However, the PDP faction rejected the president’s position, insisting that the APC-led government must take responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the opposition, particularly the PDP, should not be held responsible for the challenges Nigerians are currently facing.
In a statement, the faction described Tinubu’s remarks as “attempts to evade responsibility and divert public attention from the pressing challenges facing the country under the APC-led administration”.
READ RELATED NEWS
Wike welcomes inclusion in Tinubu’s re-election campaign despite PDP affiliation
PDP defends Wike’s support for Tinubu, rejects APC governors’ demands
Wike supports Tinubu, not APC — Oshiomhole
Wike expresses confidence in Tinubu’s support in FCT ahead of 2027 elections
Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 will be easier than that of 2023 — Wike
It urged the federal government to prioritise practical measures to ease the burden on citizens instead of engaging in political arguments.
The PDP faction challenged the government to explain how it intends to make food affordable, support farmers, boost local food production, create jobs, improve security, tackle corruption, increase electricity supply, reduce transport costs and restore Nigerians’ purchasing power.
“We firmly reject any attempt to use the PDP’s sixteen years in government as a blanket justification for the shortcomings of the present administration,” the statement said.
“After APC’s more than 10 years in office, Nigerians deserve answers, not excuses,” it added.
The faction acknowledged that the country’s past could help explain some of its present challenges but maintained that previous administrations should not serve as a permanent justification for the government’s shortcomings.
“Every administration must be judged by its policies, decisions, achievements, and, most importantly, the living conditions of the people it governs,” it said.
It added that Nigerians wanted affordable food, economic stability and improved security rather than continued political disputes and attempts to shift blame.
The faction also claimed that growing calls for a return to PDP leadership reflected citizens’ desire for better governance, improved living standards and a more secure country.
It urged the Tinubu administration to accept responsibility for its performance and introduce practical, measurable and sustainable policies to address the country’s economic challenges.
The statement concluded with a call for the federal government to present a credible plan for economic recovery, food security and improved living conditions across Nigeria.
