The main opposition party in Nigeria, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech and described it a missed opportunity to address the urgent issues affecting Nigeria and Nigerians.
In a press statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party described the speech as “lethargic” and filled with “false performance claims” that fail to resonate with the struggles of everyday Nigerians.
According to the PDP, the speech did not tackle the pressing economic and security challenges created by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, for which Nigerians are suffering.
The opposition party described the address as “empty promises” and rhetoric that do not reflect the reality on the ground.
Nigerians are appalled that the President’s speech was a complete waste of time as it did not address issues or proffer any solution to the myriads of economic and security problems created by the APC government, for which Nigerians are hurting,” the PDP said.
The PDP lambasted President Tinubu for what it described as his administration’s “insensitivity” to the pain and suffering of Nigerians, noting that his Independence Day speech further validated the party’s position that “there is no hope in sight under the overtly clueless, insensitive, and unresponsive APC-led government.”
The PDP specifically criticized the President for ignoring widespread calls to review policies that are worsening the economic situation. These include the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, and the devaluation of the naira, which has plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.
The failure of the speech to respond to the cries of millions of Nigerians that President Tinubu eases their suffering by reviewing life-suffocating policies of his government also validates concerns in the public space of an emerging totalitarianism where certain individuals or group of individuals are benefitting from the travail of the people,” Ologunagba stated.
The opposition party was particularly critical of the President’s assessment of the nation’s economic challenges. The PDP questioned Tinubu’s claim that only 10% of Nigerians are affected by hunger, contrasting it with reports that over 100 million Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities under the APC’s governance.
“It is indeed shocking that Mr. President’s speech practically trivialized the very grave issues of pervasive economic hardship, unemployment, acute poverty, widespread hunger, and starvation in our country,” the PDP said, recalling the widespread protests in August 2024, which saw Nigerians take to the streets over rising inflation and poverty.
The PDP also rejected Tinubu’s assurances of “micro-economic improvement” and “food sufficiency,” arguing that the government has failed to take meaningful action on key economic drivers, such as the price of fuel and investment in food production.
The PDP further accused the Tinubu administration of being “disconnected” from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, especially the youth.
The party noted that the government has failed to listen to demands for policies that could ease economic pressures, including the reduction of fuel prices and the creation of jobs.
“The failure by Mr. President to listen to Nigerians to reduce the price of fuel, create employment, and lift the value of the naira shows that the APC administration is completely disconnected with Nigerians, especially the youths,” the statement read.
In addition to the economic challenges, the PDP expressed concern about what it sees as the erosion of democracy under the APC. The party criticized Tinubu’s speech for failing to address issues related to the integrity of elections and attacks on citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“Moreover, from the speech, it is clear that the APC-led administration is determined to stifle our nation’s democracy; the very fundamental of any independent nation,” the PDP said, adding that credible elections and civil liberties are under threat.
The PDP urged Nigerians to remain calm in the face of their disappointment and called on President Tinubu to take immediate steps to connect with the real issues facing the people.
The main opposition party suggested that the President visit markets or engage directly with youths to gain a clearer understanding of the nation’s dire economic situation, rather than relying on what it described as “fabricated statistics” from his officials.
“President Tinubu should take a walk with the youths on the streets of any city in Nigeria to properly appreciate the real situation of the citizens,” the PDP advised.
The PDP called on the President to address the fundamental issues affecting the country, including fuel prices, unemployment, and the value of the naira, while reiterating its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of all Nigerians.
