The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over comments linking Nigeria’s current hardship to the opposition.
The faction urged the president and his party to take responsibility for the country’s economic challenges rather than continue to blame previous administrations.
Politics Nigeria reports that the criticism followed Tinubu’s comment at the APC presidential campaign flag-off held at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, where the president said his administration was working to eradicate hardship caused by the opposition.
Reacting to the statement, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, rejected the suggestion that the opposition, particularly the PDP, was responsible for the difficulties Nigerians are facing.
He challenged the ruling party to account for its performance and explain the steps it is taking to improve the living conditions of citizens.
In a statement, the PDP faction described the president’s remarks as “attempts to evade responsibility and divert public attention from the pressing challenges facing the country under the APC-led administration.”
The party maintained that the administration should focus on addressing the economic pressures affecting households and businesses instead of engaging in political exchanges over the performance of previous governments.
Mohammed argued that Nigerians were more concerned about the rising cost of living, food affordability, insecurity, unemployment and other difficulties affecting their daily lives than the continuing disagreement between political parties.
He said the APC should explain its plans to make “food affordable, support farmers, strengthen local food production, create jobs, improve security, fight corruption, improve electricity supply, reduce transportation costs, and restore the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians, among other pressing concerns.”
The PDP faction also rejected what it described as the use of the party’s 16 years in power as a general explanation for the shortcomings of the current administration.
According to the opposition group, the APC must be held accountable for its own decisions and the results of its policies.
“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 stressed that Nigerians deserved a clear account of the ruling party’s achievements and the practical measures being implemented to address the country’s economic problems.
“After more than APC’s 10years in office, Nigerians deserve answers, not excuses. The APC must tell Nigerians what it has achieved, outline the concrete measures it is taking to address the country’s present day challenges, and demonstrate its commitment to improving the welfare of citizens rather than continually dragging the PDP into its own shortcomings.
“The PDP maintains that the economic challenges confronting Nigeria cannot be resolved by repeatedly blaming previous PDP-led administrations. While historical circumstances may provide context, they cannot serve as a permanent shield against accountability.
“Every administration must be judged by its policies, decisions, achievements, and, most importantly, the living conditions of the people it governs.” the statement said.
The party further maintained that the country’s economic difficulties required direct and sustained action rather than arguments over which political party should take the blame.
It said the government must demonstrate measurable progress in tackling the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
According to the PDP faction, the public is demanding practical solutions that will make essential goods more affordable, stabilise the economy, improve security and create opportunities for Nigerians to earn a living.
It added that political parties should be judged by their records in government, their policy decisions and their commitment to public welfare.
The statement also linked the criticism to what the faction described as a growing desire among Nigerians for a change in leadership.
However, the claim represents the party’s political position rather than an independently established assessment of public opinion.
“We believe that the growing desire among Nigerians for a return to PDP leadership reflects their yearning for better governance, improved living conditions, and a more secure and prosperous country.
“Our message to the APC is simple: stop the blame game and start taking responsibility. Nigerians deserve solutions, not excuses. The government in power must address the country’s challenges through concrete, measurable, and sustainable actions that will bring meaningful relief to citizens.
“The PDP is not responsible for the hunger Nigerians are experiencing today. The APC must own its record, address the nation’s challenges, and deliver on its promises to Nigerians. The government in power must answer for its stewardship and present a credible path towards economic recovery, food security, and a better standard of living for all Nigerians.” PDP said.
The PDP faction concluded that the government must move beyond political exchanges and demonstrate tangible progress in addressing the challenges confronting the country.
It maintained that responsibility for governance rests with those currently in power and called on the administration to provide a clear and credible plan for economic recovery, food security and improved living conditions.
