In light of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration led by President Bola Tinubu of implementing policies that negatively affect the people and hinder their ability to celebrate. The criticisms from the PDP and LP, which coincided with President Tinubu’s one-month anniversary in office, prompted an immediate response from the Presidency. They accused the PDP of being envious of Tinubu’s accomplishments within three weeks, stating that he achieved more in that time than the PDP did in 16 years.
The ruling APC also called on Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu, citing his courageous and decisive actions aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and promoting overall greatness. Eid al-Adha, known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a significant Islamic tradition that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command.
PDP Cautions APC and FG Against Anti-People Policies
Congratulating Nigerians on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, the PDP cautioned the APC and the Federal Government against implementing policies that are detrimental to the people. The party encouraged citizens to use this divine occasion to fervently pray for justice and the will of Allah to prevail in the nation’s affairs. The PDP acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians in the face of severe economic hardships under the APC-led government and urged them to maintain patience, hope, and trust in God despite prevailing economic, social, and security challenges.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP expressed concern over the worsening economic crisis, skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services, the decline in purchasing power, and the economic distress faced by millions of families across the country. The party lamented that many Nigerians were observing the holiday with frustration due to their inability to afford basic necessities and engage in celebratory activities with loved ones. Despite these challenges, the PDP urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the values of Eid-el-Kabir and called for unity, love, support, and care for one another during these critical times.
Presidency Dismisses PDP’s Claims, Highlights Tinubu’s Accomplishments
Dismissing the PDP’s allegations of implementing anti-people policies, the Presidency stated that the PDP was envious of the achievements made by President Tinubu’s APC administration within three weeks. Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, also suggested that worse criticisms from the PDP were to be expected, given their alleged lack of mental capacity and managerial skills during their 16-year governance.
Alake emphasized that the current administration had accomplished what the PDP failed to achieve in 16 years, thus fueling the PDP’s envy. He further stated that the PDP lacked the mental capacity, physical resources, and managerial acumen to pursue bold goals like the current administration. Consequently, the Presidency considered the PDP’s criticisms as normal and expected.
LP Criticizes Tinubu’s Administration for Continuing Wasteful Lifestyle
The LP criticized President Tinubu’s administration for exhibiting early signs of continuing the “wasteful lifestyle” of its predecessor, with a large convoy of vehicles and bloated bureaucracy. Obiora Ifoh, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the LP, expressed his concerns in an interview, highlighting the irony of an administration whose legitimacy is still being challenged in court asking Nigerians to tighten up.
