As the new year unfolds, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a powerful call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding a thorough investigation into allegations that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have stolen a staggering N25 trillion from the nation’s coffers. In a bold New Year address, the PDP raised concerns not only over this purported financial theft but also about the worsening state of insecurity, hunger, and fuel shortages under the current administration.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologuagba, issued the call in a statement on Tuesday, urging President Tinubu to make a genuine commitment to address these pressing issues in his policy agenda for 2025. “The time for hollow speeches has passed. Nigerians are suffering, and it is critical that the government begins to take concrete action to ease the pain,” Ologuagba declared in the statement.
The opposition party accused the APC of turning government agencies into “Automated Teller Machines” (ATMs), allegedly misappropriating public funds for personal gain, while millions of citizens continue to endure unimaginable hardship. The PDP’s call for action is particularly timely as Nigerians grapple with the economic and social challenges exacerbated by the current administration’s policies. “We challenge President Tinubu to use this opportunity to give account of the billions of naira reportedly generated from the fuel subsidy removal,” the statement emphasized.
In a scathing critique, the PDP highlighted the failures of the APC leadership over the past 18 months, accusing the party of creating an environment of hopelessness. “These have been the most excruciating months for Nigerians since the Civil War,” the PDP statement read. “Citizens are resorting to extreme measures, including suicide and risky migration, because of the relentless economic distress caused by the policies of an insensitive APC government.”
Allegations of Corruption and Wasteful Spending
At the heart of the PDP’s accusation lies the staggering claim that more than N25 trillion has been siphoned off by APC leaders and government officials. The party argues that these funds, which should have been used to address the country’s growing infrastructure deficits and welfare needs, have been squandered on luxury and personal enrichment. The PDP maintains that the lack of accountability, transparency, and effective governance has led to the current crisis.
“The APC leadership has shown complete disregard for the suffering of Nigerians, while their leaders continue to flaunt lifestyles far removed from the reality faced by millions,” Ologuagba remarked. “The wealth of the nation has been looted, and yet, President Tinubu remains silent on the matter.”
The party’s accusations have found a receptive audience among many Nigerians, who continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, food insecurity, and the persistent fuel shortages that have crippled the economy. PDP leaders are urging President Tinubu to demonstrate genuine leadership by not only investigating these claims but also ensuring that the stolen funds are recovered and used to benefit the public.
Addressing the Nation’s Crisis
The PDP has also called on President Tinubu to focus on the three critical issues facing the nation in 2025: insecurity, food shortages, and the high cost of fuel. According to the party, these issues must be urgently addressed to prevent further suffering and despair.
“While APC leaders enjoy luxury, ordinary Nigerians are struggling to put food on the table,” the PDP’s statement continued. “We urge President Tinubu to offer a clear plan to tackle insecurity, provide relief to Nigerians suffering from hunger, and reduce the price of fuel.”
The opposition party has voiced deep concerns about the failure of the APC government to take meaningful action on these fronts, highlighting the increasing insecurity across the nation and the inability of the government to provide a lasting solution. In particular, the PDP pointed to the unresolved cases of alleged state-backed killings, including the infamous EndSARS massacre, which continues to cast a long shadow over the administration.
The Role of Nigerians in Holding Government Accountable
Despite the intense criticism leveled at the APC, the PDP also sought to reassure Nigerians that hope for a better future remains. The party encouraged citizens to continue holding their leaders accountable and to demand transparency and respect for the rule of law.
“Our call is not just for the investigation and recovery of stolen funds,” Ologuagba said. “It is also a call for the restoration of Nigeria’s democracy and a commitment to transparency in government. Nigerians must remain vigilant, demand justice, and push for policies that will guarantee a better life for all.”
The PDP emphasized that the year 2025 could mark a turning point in the nation’s history, but only if the leadership begins to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal interests. “We must all continue to believe in our nation’s potential. The fight for a better Nigeria is far from over,” the party concluded.
In its closing remarks, the PDP urged Nigerians to approach the year with renewed optimism and determination to work towards a more prosperous future. “We must remain hopeful that, with the right leadership, Nigeria can return to the path of stability and economic growth.”