The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of making false claims in his 64th Independence Day speech. The PDP claimed the speech exposed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s insensitivity to the struggles of Nigerians.
In response, the APC dismissed the criticism, labeling the PDP as a frustrated party seeking relevance.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described Tinubu’s address as a “complete waste of time,” saying it failed to address pressing economic and security challenges. Ologunagba emphasized that the speech did not reflect the realities of ordinary Nigerians, who continue to face economic hardship, unemployment, and poverty.
During his national broadcast, President Tinubu called for reforms to secure Nigeria’s progress, warning that maintaining the status quo could lead to national collapse. He highlighted his administration’s efforts over the past 16 months to reform the country’s political economy and defense structures. Tinubu also claimed his government had attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investment in the past year.
However, the PDP rejected these claims, accusing the APC-led government of downplaying critical issues such as rising fuel prices and widespread hunger. The opposition party argued that Tinubu’s assurances of economic improvement were out of touch with the reality faced by millions of Nigerians.
“The 64th Independence Day speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is another example of false performance claims and empty promises,” the PDP said in its statement. The party urged the President to engage directly with Nigerians, visit markets, and interact with the youth to gain a true understanding of their struggles, instead of relying on misleading statistics.
The PDP also raised concerns over the omission of key issues in Tinubu’s speech, particularly the decline in electoral credibility and citizens’ rights, warning that the APC appeared intent on stifling democracy.
In defense of the President, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim countered the PDP’s criticisms, claiming the opposition was merely reacting out of frustration. He said the APC had achieved significant progress since taking office, including restoring peace to Abuja, which he claimed was lacking under the PDP’s rule.
“For the PDP to claim that the President’s speech is empty is simply an afterthought. They are reacting because they see the APC accomplishing what they failed to achieve,” Ibrahim said. He concluded by expressing confidence that President Tinubu would continue to move Nigeria forward.
