PDP Criticizes President Tinubu’s Comments on Fuel Subsidy Removal, Economic Hardship

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of displaying insensitivity toward the economic challenges facing Nigerians during his first media chat on Monday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the president for stating that he had no regrets about removing the petrol subsidy, despite the widespread hardship it has caused.

Ologunagba said Tinubu’s remarks reveal a disconnect from the realities of the suffering masses.

“The declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he has no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant crippling effect on the productive sector, high cost of living, and associated hardship, which is now driving citizens to extreme poverty and early death, also confirms APC’s disconnection from the primary purpose of government, which is the welfare and security of the citizens,” he stated.

The PDP spokesperson also accused the president of admitting the government’s failure to secure the nation’s borders, allowing the smuggling of petroleum products into neighboring countries, which continues to exacerbate Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“The PDP is disturbed that while the APC has failed to account for the proceeds saved from the removal of the subsidy, Nigerians are subjected to crushing economic hardship because the APC administration has failed in its fundamental duty of ensuring the territorial integrity of our nation,” Ologunagba added.

The PDP noted that contrary to President Tinubu’s claims that the economy has improved under his administration, the nation’s economic indicators have worsened.

Ologunagba cited a comatose productive sector, the deteriorating value of the naira, and an inflation rate of 34.6 percent as evidence.

He also pointed to the stampedes recorded during the distribution of palliatives as a stark reflection of the current economic reality.

“There is no hope in sight under the APC given its failure to embark on meaningful investments in critical sectors, including agriculture and food production, electricity, petroleum and gas, and small and medium-scale enterprises, which are the real drivers of the national economy,” Ologunagba said.

The PDP further criticized Tinubu for suggesting that Nigerians can now safely travel by road despite ongoing reports of kidnappings and insecurity on highways.

Ologunagba challenged the president to travel by road from Abuja to Lagos or visit markets to experience the true state of the nation firsthand rather than relying on what he described as “fabricated statistics” from government officials.

The opposition party called on the president to focus on addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s economic challenges and prioritize the welfare of the citizens.