Makinde Campaign Picks Holes In Tinubu’s Claim On Nigeria’s Economy

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organization (MDPCO) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his claim that Nigeria’s economy has “come out of the dark tunnel”, arguing that the economic situation in the country continues to deteriorate under his administration.

The organisation described the President’s remarks in Mecca as misleading, insisting that prevailing economic indicators point to rising poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and hardship across the country.

In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Nnanna Ihediwa, the MDPCO said it was inappropriate for Tinubu to make such claims despite what it described as the worsening economic conditions confronting millions of Nigerians.

The group alleged that more than 140 million Nigerians, representing about 63 per cent of the population, were living in abject poverty, while businesses were shutting down daily due to the impact of government policies and increasing tax burdens.

It further claimed that over 60 million Nigerians were facing acute food insecurity, with many households struggling to afford basic necessities.

The campaign organisation also linked the country’s economic difficulties to persistent insecurity, arguing that attacks and other security challenges had restricted citizens’ ability to travel, engage in commercial activities and access their farmlands.

On the rising cost of living, the group expressed concern over petrol prices, which it said ranged between N1,500 and N2,000 per litre in some parts of the country.

According to the organisation, the high cost of fuel has worsened transportation expenses, increased the cost of doing business and further weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

The MDPCO also raised concerns over the country’s infrastructure deficit, putting the estimated funding gap at $2.3 trillion.

It cited the need for approximately $100 billion in annual investments over the next 30 years to address the infrastructure challenges facing the country.

The organisation also questioned the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy, alleging that Nigeria’s debt had risen to N166.7 trillion under Tinubu’s administration without sufficient evidence of corresponding investments or a clear repayment strategy.

Reacting to Tinubu’s comments in the Holy Land, the group said Nigerians expected the President to use the occasion to reflect on the economic challenges facing the country and seek divine guidance in addressing them.

It argued that the President’s assessment of the economy was disconnected from the hardship experienced by citizens and the difficulties confronting businesses.

The organisation further described Tinubu’s remarks about God giving and taking away power as an opportunity for the President to reflect on the country’s leadership situation.

In a political appeal, the MDPCO urged Tinubu to reconsider his reported ambition to seek re-election in 2027 and support the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engineer Seyi Makinde.

The group said such a move would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to pursue a new direction under Makinde’s proposed RESET NIGERIA Agenda.

It described Makinde as a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration, saying his proposed agenda focuses on expanding economic opportunities, making living more affordable, improving security, strengthening education, promoting accountable governance and fostering national unity.

The organisation expressed confidence that Nigerians would embrace its preferred political direction ahead of the 2027 general election.