Tinubu’s Two Years In Office Is A Nightmare Marked By Corruption, Greed, Extravagance, Arrogance In Failure – PDP
In a blistering critique that pulls no punches, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two years in office as a “nightmare” for Nigerians, accusing his administration of deepening hardship, overseeing unprecedented economic collapse, fostering insecurity, and indulging in a lavish lifestyle while the masses wallow in misery.
The statement, signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, was released on the eve of Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, offering a scathing assessment of the administration’s performance across all sectors.
“Nigerians have gone through hell under the insensitive Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government which evidently holds no good for the citizens,” the statement read.
From economic collapse to widespread poverty, from escalating insecurity to what the opposition calls “reckless extravagance” by the leadership, the PDP painted a grim portrait of national life under Tinubu, urging Nigerians to prepare for a political overhaul in the 2027 general elections.
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Chief among the PDP’s criticisms is the economic mismanagement it says has pushed Nigeria to the brink. The removal of fuel subsidies and the uncoordinated devaluation of the Naira were cited as prime examples of decisions made without regard for their ripple effects on ordinary Nigerians.
Ologunagba emphasized:
“Any government that cares for the wellbeing of the people and understands macroeconomic policy management would not abruptly increase petrol prices or devalue the Naira as Tinubu did. These actions have crippled the productive sector, crashed millions of businesses, triggered mass job loss, and escalated hunger and hopelessness across the country.”
The party laid bare alarming statistics to underscore its position:
- The Naira has plummeted from N167/$ during PDP’s tenure to over N1,600/$ under Tinubu.
- Petrol has skyrocketed from N87/litre under PDP to over N1,000/litre today.
- Inflation has soared to nearly 40%.
- Youth unemployment is above 42%.
- Food prices have reached record highs, causing widespread malnutrition and hunger.
The PDP further alleged that under Tinubu, Nigeria has witnessed a staggering rise in violence, with over 600,000 lives reportedly lost to terrorism, banditry, and criminality since May 2023. This figure, while disputed in some quarters, reflects the severity of insecurity across the country.
“From May 2023 when President Tinubu took office, more than 600,000 Nigerians have been killed by terrorists and bandits who are emboldened by the APC administration’s apparent negligence and failure to ensure the safety and security of the nation and her citizens,” the party asserted.
It cited the exodus of multinational corporations as evidence of deteriorating business confidence and a collapsing national security architecture.
Adding salt to the wounds of economic hardship, the PDP condemned what it labeled a culture of extravagance in the Tinubu administration. The statement accused top officials of misusing public funds to acquire private jets, yachts, luxury mansions, and sponsor expensive foreign trips, all while the general populace suffers.
“While Nigerians suffer, the APC government is obsessed with turning our country into a one-Party state, frittering scarce resources on flamboyant lifestyles that insult the daily struggles of citizens.”
The PDP cited a borrowing spree that has taken Nigeria’s public debt to N182.91 trillion, with a fresh loan request of $24.14 billion (about N38.24 trillion) pending legislative approval, even though the party alleges no corresponding developmental projects are visible.
The opposition party also lashed out at what it called Tinubu’s “arrogance in failure,” accusing the administration of ignoring expert advice and public outcry.
“Instead of listening to the PDP and other well-meaning Nigerians, Tinubu’s government has doubled down on multiple taxation, exploitative charges, and totalitarian tendencies.”
It warned that rather than taking stock of the suffering on the ground, the APC has consistently engaged in propaganda and denial, spinning false narratives of success even as living conditions worsen.
In its comparative analysis, the PDP pointed to a more stable economy, functional infrastructure, and broader food access under its own administrations. The party maintained that during its time in power, the Naira was relatively strong, fuel was affordable, unemployment was not as acute, and Nigeria enjoyed more international goodwill.
Beyond the economic and political consequences, the PDP drew attention to the human cost of life under the Tinubu regime. It cited increasing suicide rates and the migration of skilled professionals as symptoms of deep national despair.
“Many talented citizens are fleeing the country, while others resort to suicide to escape the agonies inflicted by the APC government,” the statement read.
Mental health professionals across Nigeria have reported rising cases of depression and anxiety, especially among youth, due to financial instability and loss of hope for a better future.
The PDP accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state through the intimidation of opposition voices and manipulation of democratic institutions. This, it said, spells danger for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Democracy is under siege. The APC’s obsession with power and suppression of dissent is dragging Nigeria toward authoritarianism.”
The PDP lamented what it described as a collapse of infrastructure under the APC-led government. Roads, hospitals, educational institutions, and energy infrastructure have all reportedly suffered neglect. The manufacturing sector, once a beacon of hope, is now in ruins due to high energy costs and poor policy planning.
Many international firms, including Procter & Gamble and GlaxoSmithKline, have either shut down operations or scaled back significantly, citing policy uncertainty and infrastructural decay.
In a bid to present itself as a credible alternative, the PDP laid out what it considers a pathway to recovery. It urged President Tinubu to:
- Address Insecurity: Immediately overhaul the national security architecture and adopt community-based strategies to combat terrorism and banditry.
- Review Economic Policies: Reverse harsh monetary policies, stabilize the Naira, and introduce strategic subsidies to revive the manufacturing sector.
- Combat Corruption: Institute genuine anti-corruption measures and audit government expenditures.
- Reduce Cost of Governance: Slash government spending, end frivolous foreign trips, and redirect funds to social programs.
- Engage Experts: Bring in credible economists and technocrats to guide policy formulation and implementation.
- Uphold Democratic Norms: Strengthen institutions, ensure free and fair elections, and respect the rule of law.
Despite the bleak picture painted, the PDP ended its statement on a note of hope and resilience. It called on Nigerians not to despair but to mobilize for change in 2027.
“We urge Nigerians not to give up hope at this trying time. Let us continue to rally on the platform of the PDP in preparation to vote out the APC and its woes in 2027. A new Nigeria is possible.”
As the nation awaits President Tinubu’s second anniversary address, the PDP has called on him to avoid what it calls the “APC’s usual resort to rhetoric and false performance claims.” Instead, it wants Tinubu to acknowledge the reality on the ground and chart a path forward.
“Mr. President should take advantage of the remaining two years of his administration to redeem his image,” Ologunagba said. “He must address insecurity, reduce the price of petroleum products, and stabilize the Naira.”
The PDP’s assessment of President Tinubu’s two-year administration is damning. It charges the APC government with presiding over a period of national decline marked by suffering, waste, and a disconnect from the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. With two years left in his term, the question on everyone’s mind is whether President Tinubu will heed these calls for reform or stay the course that many fear is leading Nigeria further into despair.
As 2027 looms large, the PDP is positioning itself as the bearer of hope and a return to stability. Whether Nigerians will embrace that hope remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for Nigeria’s soul is far from over.
