The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has used President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address to launch a fresh criticism of the APC-led Federal Government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction challenged the President’s portrayal of Nigeria’s economic reforms and accused the administration of failing to sufficiently ease the burden on citizens.
Tinubu’s October 1 address focused heavily on the economy. The President said reforms introduced since 2023 had corrected fundamental weaknesses and argued that Nigeria had moved through a difficult period of adjustment. He said inflation had fallen substantially from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the economy had recorded renewed growth.
Tinubu also acknowledged that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with food, school fees, medical bills and transportation costs. He said the government’s next priority was to reduce the cost of living and promote jobs, enterprise and industrial growth.
The Turaki-led PDP said those assurances did not adequately reflect the economic reality confronting many households.
Read Also: Sexy Steel Says He Owned ‘Dami Duro’ Beat as Davido Clarifies Its Origin
The opposition faction pointed to food inflation as an important indicator. NBS data put food inflation at 19.57 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, down from 20.31 per cent in July. The rate was also lower than the 25.30 per cent recorded in August 2025.
The faction argued that a slowdown in the rate at which prices increase should not automatically be interpreted as a return to affordable prices.
It also criticised the prevailing cost of borrowing, saying businesses continued to face challenges accessing affordable credit despite monetary policy adjustments.
The group accused the APC government of worsening economic hardship, insecurity and political divisions. It also criticised what it described as political theatrics designed to persuade Nigerians that the country had already moved beyond its economic difficulties.
The faction said the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the government’s record and determine whether they wanted continuity or a change in political leadership.
It also urged citizens to pay attention to issues affecting their daily lives rather than political slogans.
The PDP faction concluded by maintaining that Nigerians would eventually determine their own political “Moses” through the ballot box.