Key Points

• PDP criticizes APC for worsening hunger and poverty in Nigeria.

• At least 60 people died in food stampedes in three locations.

• The party demands policy reforms to address rising desperation.

The widespread food stampedes that killed numerous Nigerians, including children, were denounced by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday.

The party said the occurrences were a sobering reminder of the country’s growing levels of suffering, poverty, hunger, and despair.

PDP blames APC policies for rising hunger and poverty

The PDP’s national press secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement that the party saw the episodes as a reflection of Nigerians’ desperate attempts to survive under the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government, which it described as “insensitive, corrupt, and rudderless.”

The terrible stampedes happened at private gatherings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Okija, Anambra state; and Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.

The PDP claimed that the widespread hunger caused by the harsh economic policies of the APC administration was reflected in the deaths of at least 60 individuals, including children, as vulnerable citizens rushed to obtain free food.

The PDP declared, “It is heartbreaking that the APC-led government has destroyed our once-thriving economy, causing millions of Nigerians to live in extreme poverty and hunger.”

“Many citizens are unable to pay for daily meals, which forces some to turn to suicide, extreme means, or even enslavement missions overseas, while others struggle to survive on scraps.”

As stated by Business day, the party bemoaned the fact that Nigerians are suffering and dying while fighting for food, even though the country has an abundance of resources.

According to reports, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities due to excessive inflation.

The APC was also chastised by the PDP for disregarding recommendations to reevaluate policies like the sudden increase in oil prices and the naira’s floating, which it claimed had deteriorated citizens’ quality of life and hampered the productive sector.

According to the statement, “Our party maintains that any administration that genuinely cares for its citizens would have implemented intervention programs to lessen suffering and enhance the welfare of the masses, which is the main goal of government.”

PDP calls for economic policy review to curb rising misery

The PDP demanded that the government urgently examine the APC’s tax and economic policies, claiming that they are leading to everyday suffering and fatalities.

In response to the killings at the Ibadan event, the party sent its condolences to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the deceased’ families, and the Oyo State populace. 

In order to avoid future tragedies of this nature, the PDP also expressed its condolences to the families of the deaths in Anambra State and Abuja and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the three instances.