The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message, claiming it failed to address critical issues such as unemployment and hunger affecting Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP described the president’s speech as self-congratulatory and offering no tangible hope for Nigerians. Ologunagba accused the administration of being disconnected from the economic hardship faced by the population.
“Nigerians are disappointed that despite calls from the PDP and other concerned citizens, President Tinubu’s New Year message lacked any clear direction or concrete solutions to the numerous challenges caused by the APC’s mismanagement,” the statement read.
The PDP lamented that the speech demonstrated insensitivity to the suffering of Nigerians, as it failed to outline policies aimed at reducing fuel prices, addressing widespread hunger, or revitalizing the country’s struggling productive sectors.
Ologunagba also criticized the absence of specific strategies to address critical areas such as electricity, oil and gas, road infrastructure, and food production. He noted that the speech offered no concrete plans to tackle unemployment or promote small and medium-sized enterprises as a means of economic recovery.
He added that if the administration truly prioritized the welfare of Nigerians, the president’s address would have included definitive actions on reducing fuel prices. He argued that with efficient and transparent resource management, leveraging economic potentials, enhancing refining capacity, and strengthening border controls, petrol prices within the country should not exceed ₦350 per litre.
“It is evident from the speech that the Tinubu-led APC government lacks the necessary commitment, competence, and capacity to manage the nation’s resources effectively for the benefit of its citizens,” Ologunagba said.
The PDP spokesperson also criticized President Tinubu’s assertion that Nigerians placed their confidence in him, calling it disconnected from the reality of his low approval among the populace. He stated that Nigerians have lost faith in the administration and are now looking forward to the next elections to bring an end to what he described as the APC’s disastrous governance.
Ologunagba urged the president to heed the voices of Nigerians and focus on the primary objectives of governance—ensuring the welfare and security of the people.