The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership, stating that he lacks the capacity to provide effective governance for Nigeria. According to the party, President Tinubu has abdicated his official duties to a cabal comprising family members, principal aides, and other unelected persons. This group has seized control of the administration, leading to a lethargic and ineffective government.
The APM's National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubukar, expressed concerns about President Tinubu's repeated absence at crucial meetings, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This absence, the party claims, underscores the President's inability to effectively represent Nigeria's interests globally. Instead of attending to pressing national issues, President Tinubu prefers to holiday abroad at taxpayers' expense, leaving critical matters of state in the hands of his aides and family members.
The party also questioned President Tinubu's approach to addressing the country's security challenges. Despite being the Commander-in-Chief, the President has never visited communities ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits. He has also not met directly with grieving families and victims. The APM criticized the President's response to attacks, which typically involves issuing statements, giving directives, or dispatching delegations rather than making direct on-the-ground visits.
The APM highlighted the consequences of President Tinubu's languid approach to insecurity, citing the reported killing of over 600,000 Nigerians and the abduction of many more by terrorist elements in the last three years. The party argued that this approach has emboldened terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. In contrast, the APM pointed to the need for a leader with a proactive and hands-on approach to addressing the nation's challenges.
The party also criticized President Tinubu's economic policies, which have failed to harness Nigeria's abundant human and natural resources for economic renewal. The administration's harsh policies, including the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy, imposition of stringent tax regimes, and reckless external borrowing, have crippled the productive sector. This has led to high costs, a 33.3 per cent unemployment rate, and a 63 per cent poverty rate, affecting over 140 million Nigerians.
The APM expressed concern about the future of over 250 million Nigerians, which it claims has been mortgaged to foreign interests by the Tinubu administration's reckless borrowing. The party argued that the administration's policies have plunged Nigerians into excruciating economic hardship. In contrast, the APM pointed to the need for a leader who can develop and implement effective economic strategies to drive growth and reduce poverty.
The APM concluded by contrasting President Tinubu's leadership with that of Governor Oluwaseun Makinde of Oyo State, whom it described as an energetic and visionary leader. The party implied that Nigeria needs a leader with Makinde's qualities to address the nation's pressing challenges. The APM's criticism of President Tinubu's leadership reflects a broader debate about the effectiveness of the current administration and the need for change.
Key points
- President Tinubu lacks capacity for effective leadership
- President Tinubu has abdicated presidency to a cabal
- The administration's policies have led to high unemployment and poverty rates
