The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, describing it as “lethargic and filled with misleading claims of performance.”

In a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP argued that the President’s address failed to address the significant economic and security challenges facing the nation. The party accused Tinubu of delivering a scripted message that misrepresents the true state of Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

The PDP asserted that the President’s remarks offered no concrete solutions to the rampant economic hardship, soaring unemployment, and widespread hunger affecting millions of Nigerians. The party expressed concern over Tinubu’s claim that only 10% of Nigerians experience hunger, countering that over 100 million citizens struggle to meet their daily basic needs.

Additionally, the PDP criticized the APC-led administration for its apparent disconnect from the youth, highlighting its failure to reduce fuel prices, create jobs, and stabilize the Naira. These shortcomings, the party argued, reflect a lack of sensitivity to the people’s suffering. The opposition party also raised alarms about the government’s silence on electoral malpractices and the erosion of citizens’ rights, warning that these issues threaten Nigeria’s democracy. They urged Nigerians to remain calm amid their frustrations and called on President Tinubu to engage directly with the public rather than relying on misleading statistics.

The PDP stated, “The failure of the President’s speech to acknowledge the cries of millions of Nigerians suffering under life-draining policies reinforces the growing fear of emerging totalitarianism, where a select few benefit from the people’s struggles.” They further criticized the President for trivializing grave issues such as economic hardship, unemployment, and hunger, which led to protests in August.

In conclusion, the PDP highlighted the administration’s detachment from the realities faced by citizens, particularly the youth, asserting that the refusal to address key issues demonstrates a government out of touch with its people’s needs.