Opposition Criticizes APC as Nigerians Queue for Palliatives at Bourdillon

Opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over rising poverty in Nigeria. The criticism followed a viral video showing large crowds of Nigerians queuing for food at President Bola Tinubu’s residence on Bourdillon Road, Lagos, on Christmas Eve.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The video, shared by Senator Ali Ndume on his official X account, revealed the extent of economic hardship in the country. Ndume, a member of the APC, described the scene as a “sobering reality,” emphasizing that poverty transcends tribe, religion, and politics. “It’s a universal challenge demanding collective action and sustainable solutions,” he remarked.

The incident came shortly after stampedes at food distribution events in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja resulted in over 50 deaths, further highlighting the nation’s struggles with hunger and poverty.

Labour Party Laments Rising Poverty

Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians resorting to begging for survival. “The APC is turning more citizens into beggars daily. The hunger and poverty in the land are undeniable,” he said.

Ifoh pointed out the skyrocketing cost of basic goods, such as rice, and noted that Nigeria’s poverty rate ranks second only to India despite having a significantly smaller population. “Even the international community acknowledges our dire economic state,” he added.

Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, echoed similar sentiments, describing the country’s worsening poverty as a result of harsh economic policies. Through his media aide, Umar Ibrahim, Obi lamented the government’s failure to provide basic necessities, saying, “It’s heartbreaking to see a nation with so much potential struggling to provide for its people.”

PDP Accuses Tinubu of “Weaponizing Poverty”

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor accused the Tinubu administration of exploiting poverty to maintain control. “This presidency has reduced the common man to a pauper state, forcing them to beg for survival,” Osadolor stated.

He warned that desperation among Nigerians could eventually lead to unrest. “People may soon stop begging for food and instead turn against the political elite responsible for their hardship,” he cautioned.

Osadolor criticized the government’s policies, accusing it of fostering “armed begging” and eroding the dignity of citizens. He described the situation as inhuman and insensitive, urging immediate corrective measures to prevent further societal collapse.

APC Defends Tinubu’s Generosity

The APC dismissed the criticisms, accusing opposition parties of mischaracterizing Tinubu’s longstanding charitable acts. APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim argued that Tinubu’s generosity predates his presidency. “This is not new. Tinubu has always been generous, a trait he inherited from his mother,” Ibrahim said.

He added that the president’s assistance to the needy should not be politicized, stating, “The only difference now is that his palliative efforts carry a presidential tag.”

Ibrahim accused the opposition of hypocrisy, claiming they would readily accept help from Tinubu if offered. “The opposition seeks fault in everything the president does, yet they amass wealth for themselves while Tinubu shares his with the ordinary man,” he said.

The controversy underscores the growing divide between the ruling party and the opposition amid worsening economic conditions in Nigeria. While the APC frames Tinubu’s actions as compassionate, critics argue they reflect a government failing to address systemic poverty. As Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, the debate over responsibility and solutions remains heated.