PDP Criticizes Tinubu’s Media Chat on Economy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s comments during his first media chat on Monday, accusing him of being insensitive to the economic hardship affecting Nigerians. The party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, expressed concerns over Tinubu’s statement that he had no regrets about removing the petrol subsidy, despite the negative impact on citizens.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ologunagba argued that the President speech showed a disconnect from the core responsibilities of government, particularly regarding citizens’ welfare and security. He pointed out that the sudden removal of the subsidy, without any mitigating measures, had worsened living conditions, pushed many into poverty, and intensified the challenges faced by Nigeria’s productive sector.

Ologunagba also criticized the President for admitting that the APC government had failed to secure the nation’s borders, allowing the smuggling of petroleum products. He said the party was concerned that, despite the economic difficulties, the administration had not accounted for the savings made from the subsidy removal.

The PDP spokesperson also rejected the President’s assertion that the economy was improving under his leadership, citing rising inflation, a weakened naira, and the worsening economic situation. Ologunagba referred to the recent stampedes during palliative distributions as a sign of the country’s deepening crisis.

Speaking further, Ologunagba challenged Tinubu’s statement that road travel had become safer despite ongoing kidnappings, urging the President to experience the situation firsthand by traveling by road or visiting markets.

The PDP concluded that under the current administration, Nigeria lacked hope for meaningful economic progress, given the government’s failure to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and small businesses.