The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over claims that the opposition is responsible for the hardship confronting Nigerians.
The faction accused the APC-led Federal Government of shifting responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties instead of explaining how it intends to ease the suffering of citizens.
Tinubu had made the remarks while speaking at the APC presidential campaign flag-off at Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, where he said his administration was working to eliminate hardship allegedly caused by the opposition.
But reacting to the President’s comments, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, PDP National Publicity Secretary, rejected the attempt to link the opposition, particularly the PDP, to the country’s current economic challenges.
The party described the remarks as an attempt to evade responsibility and divert attention from the difficulties Nigerians are facing under the APC administration.
It challenged the ruling party to explain what it was doing to make food affordable, support farmers, boost local food production, create jobs and improve electricity supply.
The PDP also demanded concrete measures to tackle insecurity and corruption, reduce transportation costs and restore Nigerians’ purchasing power.
The opposition faction further rejected the use of the PDP’s 16 years in power as a blanket justification for the present administration’s shortcomings.
According to the party, Nigerians deserve answers about the APC’s record after more than a decade in office, rather than repeated references to the performance of previous administrations.
It argued that although past governments’ decisions could provide context for the country’s present difficulties, they should not become a permanent excuse for the government in power.
The PDP insisted that every administration should be assessed on its policies, decisions, achievements and the living conditions of the people.
It added that Nigerians were more concerned about practical solutions to hunger, economic instability and insecurity than endless exchanges between political parties.
The faction also claimed that the growing calls for a return to PDP leadership reflected Nigerians’ desire for improved governance, better living conditions and a more secure country.
It urged the APC to stop blaming its predecessors and present measurable, sustainable policies capable of providing relief to households and businesses.
“The PDP is not responsible for the hunger Nigerians are experiencing today,” the party maintained, insisting that the Tinubu administration must account for its record and deliver on its promises.
The latest exchange adds to the political dispute over who should take responsibility for Nigeria’s economic difficulties, with the ruling party and opposition offering different explanations for the country’s challenges.
