By Treasure Annieth
Media360Impact
ABUJA — The Democratic Front (TDF) has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over comments attributed to its campaign spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, concerning Vice President Kashim Shettima’s defence of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group accused Ologbondiyan of overlooking the economic and governance challenges Nigeria faced under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which governed the country from 1999 to 2015.
TDF said Ologbondiyan’s criticism of the current administration failed to account for the economic difficulties inherited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) when it took office in 2015.
The group maintained that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies, were necessary measures to address longstanding fiscal challenges.
TDF DEFENDS TINUBU’S ECONOMIC POLICIES
The group said it was surprised by what it described as Ologbondiyan’s criticism of the administration’s economic direction, given his previous role as national publicity secretary of the PDP.
According to TDF, the former ruling party left behind significant economic and governance challenges, including salary arrears in several states, inadequate infrastructure and security difficulties.
The group also accused the PDP-led administration of failing to adequately develop critical infrastructure in areas such as roads, railways and waterways.
TDF argued that these challenges contributed to the difficulties faced by the APC when it assumed power in 2015.
However, the group’s claims represent its political assessment of the period and were not independently verified for this report.
GROUP RECALLS CHALLENGES UNDER PDP
TDF further alleged that the country faced serious financial pressures before the 2015 change of government.
It claimed that about 34 states owed salaries, emoluments and gratuities to serving and retired civil servants because of shortfalls in revenue allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The group also criticised the former administration’s handling of security, alleging that inadequate resources affected the military’s ability to respond effectively to Boko Haram insurgents.
TDF said the APC’s first administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari should be recognised for its efforts in infrastructure development and the fight against terrorism, despite economic pressures associated with falling global crude oil prices.
The group also referenced the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
TDF BACKS SHEttIMA ON PETROL SUBSIDY REMOVAL
The group said it agreed with Vice President Kashim Shettima’s positive assessment of Tinubu’s economic policies.
According to TDF, the removal of petrol subsidies, although difficult for Nigerians, was necessary to reduce pressure on government finances and support economic recovery.
It argued that the policy could create opportunities for improved public spending and long-term economic growth.
The group maintained that the administration’s reforms should be assessed against the country’s previous fiscal challenges and the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy.
POLITICAL DEBATE OVER ECONOMIC REFORMS CONTINUES
The dispute highlights continuing disagreements among Nigeria’s political actors over the causes of the country’s economic difficulties and the effectiveness of current government policies.
While supporters of the Tinubu administration argue that reforms such as petrol subsidy removal are necessary to improve public finances, critics have raised concerns about their effects on living costs and household welfare.
The central issue remains whether the reforms will deliver sustainable economic growth and measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
TDF urged Nigerians to consider the country’s economic history when assessing the administration’s policies and rejected the criticism attributed to the ADC campaign spokesperson.
SOURCE CREDIT: The Democratic Front (TDF), based on a statement attributed to its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo.
