The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of relying on fabricated statistics to paint a false picture of Nigeria’s economic condition, asserting that his administration’s policies have plunged the country into deeper hardship.
In a statement issued yesterday following President Tinubu’s media chat, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the president’s remarks as insensitive and disconnected from the realities faced by Nigerians.
The party challenged President Tinubu to personally experience the struggles of ordinary citizens by travelling from Abuja to Lagos by road or visiting local markets, reports Nigerian Tribune.
The PDP criticised President Tinubu’s unwavering defence of the removal of fuel subsidies without providing cushioning measures to mitigate its impact.
The opposition party blamed this policy for the spiralling cost of living, crippling the productive sector, and driving millions of Nigerians into poverty.
“The declaration by President Tinubu that he has no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidies confirms the APC’s disconnection from the primary purpose of government: the welfare and security of citizens,” the PDP stated.
The party also expressed concern over Tinubu’s acknowledgement of his administration’s inability to curb petroleum smuggling across Nigeria’s porous borders, which it said has exacerbated the economic crisis.
The PDP lambasted President Tinubu for claiming that the economy has improved under his administration, labelling his assertion as a “fabrication.”
The party pointed to worsening economic indicators, including inflation at 34.6%, the Naira’s freefall to N1,700 per US dollar, a 40% unemployment rate, and a collapsing productive sector.
“Mr President’s claim that Nigerians are better off is contradicted by the harsh realities on the ground. His government has failed to invest meaningfully in critical sectors such as agriculture, electricity, petroleum, and small businesses, which are the real drivers of economic growth,” the statement added.
The PDP also took aim at Tinubu’s claim that Nigerians can now travel safely by road.
The main opposition party highlighted the persistent threats of banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as the deteriorating condition of highways across the country.
“It is alarming for President Tinubu to make such claims when the reality of insecurity and dilapidated infrastructure is evident to all Nigerians. If he believes his own words, he should undertake a road trip from Abuja to Lagos to witness the truth,” the statement said.
The party referenced recent food stampedes that claimed over 80 lives in various states as evidence of worsening poverty under the APC-led government.
It called on the administration to account for the savings from the subsidy removal, which it claims have not been utilised to ease Nigerians’ suffering.
“The widespread food stampedes demonstrate the perilous times our nation faces under this government. Nigerians deserve answers and immediate relief, not fabricated statistics,” the PDP emphasised.
The PDP urged the Tinubu administration to admit its failures and take urgent steps to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
It also called for transparency in the use of funds and a shift towards policies that genuinely benefit the populace.
“There is no hope in sight under the APC. The government must stop misleading Nigerians and start prioritising the welfare of its citizens,” the statement declared.
