APC’s Mismanagement Caused Poverty, Hunger, Deadly Stampedes — PDP

Kehinde Fajobi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the recent food stampedes in several states, attributing the tragedies to the rising poverty, hunger, and desperation under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued from Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba called the incidents a clear reflection of an “overtly insensitive, corrupt, and directionless” APC government.

The stampedes, which led to the deaths of around 60 people, including children, occurred in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as citizens desperately scrambled for food amidst the country’s deepening economic crisis.

Ologunagba expressed devastation over the loss of lives and criticised the APC for what he described as the government’s failure to address the pressing issue of poverty.

“The PDP is devastated that the APC-led administration has wrecked our once-thriving economy and pushed millions of Nigerians into abject poverty,” Ologunagba said.

“Many citizens can no longer afford daily meals, leading to rising cases of suicide, dangerous migration attempts, and desperate fights for basic survival.”

The PDP also condemned the contradiction between Nigeria’s vast resources and the suffering citizens endure, which it described as a sign of a government that values political gain over human life.

Ologunagba accused the APC of making false claims about economic progress and food sufficiency, while failing to invest meaningfully in agriculture and food production.

He blamed the government for ignoring repeated calls from the PDP and other Nigerians to reassess policies such as the sharp increase in fuel prices and the chaotic floating of the naira.

“Rather than deploying resources for the people’s welfare, APC leaders are busy looting public funds through budget padding, contract inflation, palliative racketeering, and phony programs that offer no real benefits to Nigerians,” Ologunagba added.

The PDP called for urgent government action, demanding a review of the “suffocating economic and tax policies” that are exacerbating the suffering of Nigerians and causing avoidable tragedies.

The party expressed condolences to the people of Oyo State and Governor Seyi Makinde, who was praised for his swift response in providing medical assistance to those affected.

Meanwhile , the PDP extended its sympathy to the victims’ families in Anambra and Abuja, urging a full investigation to prevent future incidents.

The statement concluded with prayers for the deceased and wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.