As Muslims across Nigeria and the world prepare to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has seized the opportunity to voice deep concerns over the current socio-economic conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement released by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party called on the President to urgently review policies that have placed immense hardship on the citizens.
A Call for Compassion in Leadership
According to the PDP, Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, embodies the virtues of compassion, selflessness, and care for others—especially the less privileged. The opposition party urged President Tinubu to reflect on the spirit of the season by taking immediate steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
“Leadership must reflect empathy and responsiveness to the plight of the people,” Ologunagba emphasized, stressing that this festive period should inspire government actions that are people-oriented and humane.
High Fuel Prices and Economic Pressure
At the core of the PDP’s concerns is the escalating cost of fuel, which has had a domino effect on every sector of the Nigerian economy. The removal of fuel subsidy—one of Tinubu’s first economic moves after assuming office in May 2023—led to a significant hike in fuel prices across the country. Transportation costs surged, food prices skyrocketed, and many small and medium-scale businesses were forced to shut down due to rising operational costs.
The PDP described this development as a policy failure, arguing that it was poorly timed and executed without adequate cushioning measures for the vulnerable population. The party noted that while subsidy removal might be economically justifiable in the long run, the lack of accompanying palliatives and social protection mechanisms has left millions in dire straits.
Electricity Tariffs and Essential Service Charges
In addition to fuel prices, the PDP criticized the hike in electricity tariffs and charges on essential services. Nigerians have faced higher electricity bills despite poor and inconsistent power supply. The party lamented that many households are now forced to spend a large portion of their income on energy costs, making life increasingly unbearable.
The PDP called for a comprehensive review of electricity policies and pricing, noting that the current tariff regime does not reflect the average Nigerian’s income level. According to the party, access to affordable and reliable electricity is a basic right, not a luxury.
Widening Socio-Economic Inequality
The opposition party also highlighted the growing gap between the rich and the poor under Tinubu’s government. They accused the administration of favoring policies that enrich a few elite individuals while pushing the majority further into poverty. Citing increased taxes, multiple levies, and weakened purchasing power, the PDP warned that continued neglect of the masses could lead to national instability.
In the statement, Ologunagba pointed out: “The hardship in the land is not only unbearable but also a threat to the survival of our democracy. The government must act now to restore hope to the people.”
Eid-el-Kabir as a Symbol of Responsibility
Using the symbolic importance of Eid-el-Kabir, the PDP urged President Tinubu to see the festival as a reminder of leadership’s sacred duty to protect and uplift its people. They called on the President to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s selflessness and willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.
The party encouraged the President to demonstrate statesmanship by revisiting his administration’s economic strategy and adopting policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over corporate or political interests.
A Call for National Dialogue and Inclusiveness
The PDP also advocated for a broad-based national conversation involving all stakeholders—political parties, civil society, religious leaders, business communities, and ordinary citizens—to chart a more inclusive and sustainable economic path. The party believes that inclusive governance is essential to restore trust and rebuild the nation’s social fabric.
“Tinubu’s government must stop operating in isolation. The challenges before us require collective solutions and open dialogue,” the statement read.
Hope for a Better Nigeria
Despite its criticisms, the PDP reaffirmed its hope for a better Nigeria and expressed solidarity with the Muslim community during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The party urged Nigerians to remain resilient and prayerful, even as they face difficult economic times.
“Let this season of Eid be a moment of reflection, faith, and collective determination to demand good governance and accountability from our leaders,” Ologunagba concluded.
The PDP’s statement serves as both a critique and a plea for change. As the nation celebrates Eid-el-Kabir, the call for compassion, sacrifice, and responsive governance rings louder than ever. Whether or not President Tinubu heeds this call remains to be seen, but the message is clear: Nigerians are yearning for leadership that feels their pain and acts in their best interest.
