The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s national address, delivered on Sunday, as a clear indication of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s disregard for the pressing issues facing Nigerians. The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed disappointment that it took persistent urging from the PDP for the President to address the nation, only for his speech to lack substantial measures to alleviate the severe hardship being experienced.
According to the PDP, the address failed to meet the citizens’ expectations for immediate action, particularly in reducing fuel prices, stabilizing the Naira, and ensuring the availability of essential food items for struggling Nigerians.
The party also voiced concern over the President’s silence on investigating the recent killings of unarmed protesters by certain rogue elements within APC-controlled security forces. The PDP emphasized that these individuals were peacefully demanding better governance, security, and welfare—the fundamental duties of the government.
Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the speech was seen as a self-congratulatory exercise, focusing on dubious achievements and future promises, while ignoring the apparent failures of the APC in various aspects of governance. This, according to the PDP, only heightens public fear that the APC is indifferent to the suffering of millions, particularly the youth, whose hopes and dreams are being crushed under the current administration.
The PDP called on President Tinubu to recognize the critical state of the nation under his leadership. The party urged him to prioritize reducing fuel costs, stabilizing the currency, and immediately providing essential food supplies. Additionally, the PDP recommended cutting unnecessary government spending and redirecting resources towards improving the well-being of Nigerians, emphasizing that solutions, not rhetoric, are needed in these challenging times.