By Stella Odueme
The Democratic Front (TDF) has faulted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its criticism of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, insisting that the opposition party has no moral justification to challenge the administration’s efforts to revive the economy.
The group described a statement attributed to an ADC campaign spokesperson, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, as careless, arguing that his criticism overlooked the economic difficulties and governance challenges Nigeria faced under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF recalled that Ologbondiyan served as the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary during the party’s years in power.
The group accused the former ruling party of leaving behind a legacy of inadequate infrastructure, corruption and economic mismanagement after 16 years in government.
According to TDF, the economic rescue measures introduced by Tinubu were necessary to address the challenges inherited from previous administrations and prevent further deterioration of the country’s financial situation.
It said Nigerians should not forget the economic and security challenges that confronted the country before the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power in 2015.
The statement noted that several state governments were unable to meet their salary obligations to serving and retired civil servants due to declining revenue allocations, while the Federal Government struggled with funding critical sectors.
TDF also accused the PDP administration of failing to adequately develop road, rail and waterways infrastructure, as well as create an environment conducive to the establishment of private refineries.
On security, the group recalled that Boko Haram insurgents had occupied several local government areas during the period, alleging that inadequate funding affected the military’s ability to acquire necessary equipment and support security personnel.
The organisation maintained that the challenges confronting Nigeria at the time contributed to the electorate’s decision to vote the PDP out of power in 2015.
It, however, expressed confidence that posterity would recognise the achievements of the first APC administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in infrastructure development and the fight against terrorism.
TDF argued that the administration pursued these initiatives despite the collapse in global crude oil prices between 2015 and 2017 and the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group further aligned itself with Shettima’s commendation of Tinubu’s economic policies, describing the President’s interventions as necessary measures to prevent the country from sliding into deeper economic difficulties.
It specifically defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, acknowledging that the policy had imposed hardship on Nigerians but insisting that it was necessary to improve the country’s economic outlook.
“President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy on petroleum may truly have caused discomfort for the people, but it was the saving grace that has facilitated the current drive towards Nigeria’s economic prosperity,” the statement said.
TDF urged critics of the administration to consider the economic conditions inherited by the APC before faulting its ongoing reform efforts.