The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has renewed its criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that he has not demonstrated the capacity required to provide effective leadership for Nigeria. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Mr Abubakar Yusuf, raised concerns in Abuja on Friday, accusing the President of allowing family members, principal aides, and other unelected individuals to exercise undue influence over the administration.
Yusuf alleged that the Tinubu administration had become disconnected from Nigerians and was failing to respond adequately to the country’s security and economic challenges. The APM also faulted the President’s absence from major international engagements, particularly the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), arguing that such engagements provide opportunities for the Nigerian leader to advance the country’s interests at the global level.
The party further criticised what it described as the President’s limited direct engagement with communities affected by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, as well as with victims and families affected by attacks. According to the APM, the President, as Commander-in-Chief, should demonstrate greater personal involvement in addressing insecurity rather than relying mainly on official statements, directives, and delegations after attacks.
Yusuf said the party was also concerned about the economic consequences of the Federal Government’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, tax measures, and increased borrowing, which he claimed had placed businesses and households under severe pressure. He alleged that the country’s growing debt burden had not translated into sufficient improvements in infrastructure, security, employment, and living standards.
The APM expressed concern over the departure of multinational companies and the continued migration of Nigerian professionals and young people. The party stated that the combination of insecurity, economic hardship, and youth migration underscored the need for a different approach to governance, insisting that Nigeria could not afford to place the future of its citizens on what it described as an “autopilot” administration.
The party criticised the Tinubu administration's borrowing, which it said had pushed the nation's debt burden to N159.28 trillion, with most of the proceeds reported to have been diverted to private purses. Over 3.7 million Nigerian youths and professionals have fled the country in what is now known as the ‘Japa’ phenomenon, resulting in the worst brain drain ever, especially in the education and health sectors.
The APM said its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented a different approach, citing his record in Oyo State and his proposed blueprint for what the party calls a “Reset Nigeria.” Yusuf said Nigeria required a leader who is present, accessible, and fully engaged in governance, adding that governance cannot be left to uncertainty, nor can the lives of about 250 million Nigerians be placed on autopilot.
Key points
- The APM criticizes President Tinubu's leadership, citing disconnection from Nigerians and failure to address security and economic challenges.
- The party expresses concern over the country's growing debt burden and its impact on the economy and citizens' lives.
- The APM presents Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as an alternative leader with a different approach to governance.
