The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the message contained in President Bola Tinubu’s 2026 Independence Day address, arguing that the administration’s description of Nigeria’s economic progress does not reflect the experience of many citizens.
The faction made its position known through a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
President Tinubu, in his October 1 address, acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians had faced but defended the economic reforms implemented since his administration came into office. He said the reforms had corrected the country’s economic direction and declared that Nigeria had “passed through our own Red Sea.” He called on Nigerians to look ahead to what he described as a period of shared prosperity.
The Turaki-led PDP, however, said the biblical comparison should not be used to suggest that Nigerians had already been delivered from economic hardship.
The faction argued that the economic conditions experienced by households told a different story. It highlighted the cost of food, rent, transportation and education as areas where citizens continued to face pressure.
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The group referenced NBS data showing August 2026 food inflation at 19.57 per cent. While that figure represented a decline from July’s 20.31 per cent, the opposition faction said the level still demonstrated the pressure facing households. The NBS data also showed headline inflation at 15.39 per cent in August.
The faction said families that dedicate substantial portions of their income to food would feel the effect of high food prices regardless of whether the inflation rate was rising or falling.
It also questioned the cost of credit available to businesses, arguing that high interest rates could make it difficult for companies to expand and create employment.
The PDP faction accused the APC-led administration of promoting what it called a “skewed narrative” about the economy and urged Nigerians to examine the government’s policies against their daily experiences.
It further criticised the President’s travels and alleged that his activities demonstrated a degree of detachment from citizens facing economic challenges.
As the 2027 elections approach, the faction said Nigerians would have an opportunity to determine the political direction of the country.
It urged citizens to consider issues including economic hardship, insecurity, political division and democratic development when assessing the performance of political leaders.
The faction maintained that the biblical analogy used by the President could be interpreted differently, insisting that Nigerians would ultimately determine who should lead them into the future.
