The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his prolonged vacation in Paris, France. The party accused Tinubu of abandoning governance responsibilities to family members, aides, and unelected individuals. This absence has contributed to a leadership vacuum, particularly in areas like insecurity, economic management, and international engagements.
According to the APM, individuals close to Tinubu have taken control of the administration. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, stated that Tinubu has abdicated his duties to a cabal of family members, principal aides, and other unelected persons. The APM also faulted Tinubu for missing major international engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly.
The APM questioned why Tinubu has not visited communities affected by terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry or met with victims and bereaved families. The party claimed over 600,000 Nigerians have been killed and many abducted by terrorist groups in the last three years. This situation is attributed to the administration's approach to insecurity.
The opposition party also criticized the Federal Government's economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, tax measures, and borrowing. These policies have increased pressure on households and businesses, with unemployment at 33.3% and poverty at 63%. The APM claimed over 140 million Nigerians have been pushed into severe economic hardship.
The country's debt burden stands at N159.28 trillion, and the APM linked the economic situation to the continued migration of Nigerians, with over 3.7 million people leaving in the "Japa" wave. This has consequences for critical sectors experiencing skilled manpower shortages.
The APM argued that Nigeria cannot afford another four years of the Tinubu administration, citing insecurity, economic hardship, and weak leadership. The party promoted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, its presidential candidate, as a preferred alternative ahead of the 2027 election. Makinde is described as a younger and experienced politician.
Meanwhile, political economist Prof. Pat Utomi declared his support for Peter Obi's presidential ambition but warned he would withdraw support if Obi accepts a vice-presidential position. Utomi called for a national conversation on the age of politicians seeking executive office, proposing presidential and governorship candidates be aged 70 or below.
Key points
- The APM criticized President Tinubu for his prolonged vacation abroad, citing a leadership vacuum and governance concerns.
- The party promoted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its preferred alternative ahead of the 2027 election.
- Prof. Pat Utomi declared his support for Peter Obi's presidential ambition but with conditions.
