The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, saying Nigerians continue to experience economic difficulties despite the administration’s claim that major reforms are beginning to produce results.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, issued the criticism in a statement marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Tinubu’s address presented his administration’s economic reforms as necessary measures to correct longstanding weaknesses. The President said Nigeria had passed through its own “Red Sea” and should now look ahead to a period of prosperity. He cited economic growth, declining inflation, stronger foreign reserves and improved foreign exchange stability among the developments he said demonstrated progress.
The Turaki-led PDP offered a contrasting assessment, arguing that many Nigerians were still struggling with the cost of food, accommodation, transportation and education.
The faction particularly highlighted food inflation. According to NBS, food inflation stood at 19.57 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, compared with 20.31 per cent in July and 25.30 per cent in August 2025. Monthly food inflation also fell from 5.56 per cent in July to 1.02 per cent in August.
The figures show that food-price increases slowed in August, although prices remained substantially higher than the previous year.
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The PDP faction argued that the distinction between slower inflation and lower prices was important for households dealing with elevated living costs.
It also criticised borrowing conditions, saying businesses continued to face high financing costs despite changes in monetary policy.
The faction accused the APC administration of worsening economic hardship, insecurity and political polarisation. It also criticised what it described as attempts to use political messaging to influence public perception ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group said the next general election would give Nigerians an opportunity to assess the government’s record and determine the country’s political direction.
While the opposition faction used the President’s biblical imagery to criticise his administration, Tinubu’s own speech framed the Red Sea reference as evidence that Nigeria had endured a difficult reform period and was now moving towards what he called a “Promised Land” of broader prosperity.
The opposing interpretations underscore the political debate over Nigeria’s economic performance as the country moves towards the 2027 electoral cycle.
