Wike-backed PDP rejects Tinubu's claim that opposition caused national hardship

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has leveled harsh criticism at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The opposition group rejected claims made by the President that the prevailing hardship in Nigeria is a result of the opposition's previous governance. This response follows remarks made by President Tinubu during the APC presidential campaign launch held at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, where he stated that his administration was working to eliminate the difficulties caused by the opposition.

Background

The political dispute centres on President Tinubu's assertion during the campaign event that the current economic and social challenges are legacy issues from the PDP's time in power. In reaction, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, issued a statement firmly denying that the opposition party bears responsibility for the nation's present condition. The PDP characterized the President's remarks as a strategy to dodge responsibility and shift public focus away from the urgent difficulties the nation faces under the current APC-led government.

The party highlighted that the APC has been in office for more than ten years, a period during which Nigerians have faced significant economic pressures. The PDP contended that although past conditions from earlier governments offer background context, they do not provide a lasting defense against scrutiny for the present administration. The party emphasized that every administration must be judged by its own policies, decisions, and the living conditions of the people it governs, rather than by the records of its predecessors.

Why it matters

The PDP stated that Nigerians are demanding practical solutions to immediate problems rather than political blame games. The party listed several specific areas where the APC is expected to demonstrate concrete measures, including making food affordable, supporting farmers, strengthening local food production, and creating jobs. Additionally, the PDP pointed to the need for improved security, a fight against corruption, better electricity supply, reduced transportation costs, and the restoration of the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.

Jungudo Haruna Mohammed asserted that the APC needs to clarify its plans for resolving these matters, instead of citing the PDP's sixteen years in power as a general excuse for its own failures. The PDP insisted that the economic hurdles facing Nigeria cannot be solved by constantly assigning blame to former administrations. The party stated its belief that the increasing Nigerian public wish to see PDP leadership restored indicates a deep desire for superior governance, better quality of life, and a nation that is both safer and more prosperous. The statement concluded that the government in power must answer for its stewardship and deliver on its promises, as Nigerians deserve solutions rather than excuses.

The PDP faction urged the APC to stop the blame game and start taking responsibility, asserting that the party is not responsible for the hunger experienced by Nigerians today. The opposition called for the ruling party to own its record and address the nation's challenges through sustainable actions that bring meaningful relief to citizens.