By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop blaming previous administrations for Nigeria’s economic hardship and explain the measures it is taking to address hunger, rising living costs and insecurity.
The opposition party said the APC should take responsibility for the country’s current challenges rather than continually attributing them to the PDP’s 16 years in government.
In a press release on Monday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP said the comments by the APC Publicity Secretary during an appearance on News Central’s Breakfast Show, as well as remarks reportedly made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kaduna, amounted to attempts to divert attention from the difficulties facing Nigerians.
The party urged the APC-led administration to explain its plans to make food affordable, support farmers, strengthen domestic food production, create jobs, improve security, fight corruption, enhance electricity supply, reduce transportation costs and restore citizens’ purchasing power.
“After more than APC’s 10 years in office, Nigerians deserve answers, not excuses,” the PDP said, demanding concrete measures to address the country’s economic and social challenges.
While acknowledging that the Tinubu administration might have recorded some achievements, the PDP said such recognition should not be interpreted as an endorsement of all government policies or an acceptance of attempts to shift responsibility for present economic difficulties to previous administrations.
The party maintained that historical circumstances could provide context for the country’s challenges but should not become a permanent justification for the performance of the government in power.
“Every administration must be judged by its policies, decisions, achievements, and, most importantly, the living conditions of the people it governs,” the statement said.
The PDP also argued that Nigerians were more concerned about affordable food, economic stability, improved security and better living conditions than political exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition.
It expressed confidence that voters would assess political parties based on their records, policies and commitment to public welfare, adding that the desire for a return to PDP leadership reflected what it described as Nigerians’ yearning for better governance and improved living standards.
The opposition party urged the APC to stop what it called the blame game and focus on delivering measurable and sustainable solutions to the country’s problems.
“The PDP is not responsible for the hunger Nigerians are experiencing today. The APC must own its record, address the nation’s challenges, and deliver on its promises to Nigerians,” the statement added.
