PDP Calls for Rejection of 2025 Budget Proposal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigeria’s National Assembly to reject the proposed 2025 budget, describing it as “anti-people” and warning that its approval could exacerbate the nation’s security and economic challenges.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba criticised President Bola Tinubu’s budget proposal, which was presented to a joint session of lawmakers earlier in the day. The proposed budget totals N47.96 trillion and, according to President Tinubu, aims to set Nigeria on a path to economic prosperity, boost job creation, and improve living standards.

However, the PDP argues that the budget falls short in addressing the country’s most pressing issues, particularly insecurity, poverty, and high living costs. Ologunagba stated that the president’s budget address was a “campaign rhetoric laced with unsubstantiated economic statistics,” accusing the government of making false promises without clear plans for implementation.

“The budget provides no meaningful provisions for the real drivers of the economy, such as industry revival, food production, or job creation,” Ologunagba said. “It fails to offer tangible solutions to the problems Nigerians face daily, including the rising cost of fuel, food, and essential services.”

The PDP also expressed concern that the proposed budget did not address critical areas such as unemployment, the devaluation of the naira, or the country’s power crisis. The party further criticised the budget for not making provisions to alleviate the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

In its statement, the PDP urged the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional powers to amend the budget before passing it. Citing Sections 80, 81, and 82 of the 1999 Constitution, the opposition party called on lawmakers to make revisions that would prioritise economic growth and address the welfare of Nigerian citizens.

“We call on the National Assembly to rejig the budget and ensure it reflects the urgent needs of the Nigerian people,” Ologunagba said.

President Tinubu has said that the budget, if fully implemented, will help consolidate his government’s policies and drive prosperity across the country.