The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has blamed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the recent food stampede deaths in Nigeria.
The opposition party condemned the tragic deaths of about 60 vulnerable Nigerians, including children, in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to PDP, these deaths highlight the severity of the hunger crisis gripping the country.
PDP Slams APC’s Mismanagement and Corruption
In a statement, PDP’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC-led government of pushing millions of Nigerians into poverty and hunger. He described the struggle for food as a sign of the nation’s suffering, which has worsened under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Ologunagba stated, “The recent stampedes for food are a direct result of the policies of the APC government, which have driven millions of Nigerians to despair.”
The party further condemned the government’s failure to address the escalating food insecurity affecting vulnerable citizens. PDP’s criticism pointed to the increasing number of Nigerians who are unable to afford basic food items, especially amidst soaring inflation and joblessness. Ologunagba added, “Under the APC, Nigeria has become a nation where its citizens are forced to fight for crumbs, unable to access food due to mismanagement and ineffective governance.”
Call for Immediate Action and Policy Review
PDP also expressed its concern over the lack of intervention programs to alleviate poverty and hunger in Nigeria. The opposition party stressed that the government’s policies, such as the abrupt fuel price hikes and the floating of the Naira, have exacerbated the crisis. It argued that these policies have made it difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities, including food. Ologunagba continued, “The APC administration has left Nigerians at the mercy of hunger, and it’s shameful that the government has not introduced any meaningful programs to help the people.”
The party also criticized the APC for its focus on false claims of food sufficiency while failing to invest in agriculture. PDP believes that the APC’s negligence and corruption have led to a situation where Nigerians are resorting to desperate measures, including suicide and fighting for food. “The APC continues to claim that food is plentiful, but the reality is a nation in crisis where people die in search of sustenance,” Ologunagba remarked.
PDP further accused the APC of mismanaging the nation’s resources, claiming that the government is more focused on corruption than on solving the country’s problems. The party said the APC’s leaders are involved in looting government funds, which could otherwise have been used to address the nation’s food insecurity. Ologunagba stated, “The APC’s leaders are more interested in enriching themselves than investing in the welfare of the people.”
The PDP called for a review of the APC’s economic policies, which it believes are detrimental to the welfare of the Nigerian people. The opposition party demanded that the government take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of citizens and reverse harmful policies. “The APC must be held accountable for the pain and loss of lives in this nation,” Ologunagba concluded.
In response to the PDP’s statement, the APC has denied the allegations, claiming that the government is making strides in improving the economy and tackling hunger. However, critics argue that the ruling party’s response has been inadequate in addressing the worsening situation of food insecurity and poverty in the country. As Nigerians continue to face these hardships, the demand for change grows louder.
