The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the recent food stampedes across the country as a grim reflection of the worsening levels of poverty, hunger, and despair among Nigerians.
The party decried the tragic stampedes at private events in Oyo and Anambra States as well as in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which claimed the lives of about 60 vulnerable individuals, including children, in their desperate search for food. According to the PDP, these incidents are a direct result of the widespread hunger caused by the anti-people policies of the APC-led government.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The APC-led administration has destroyed our once-thriving economy, plunging millions of Nigerians into extreme poverty and hunger. Many citizens, unable to afford basic meals, are now resorting to extreme measures such as suicide, illegal migration, and even slavery missions abroad, while struggling for survival.”
The PDP further lamented, “It is tragic that despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, citizens are enduring an excruciating existence, with some dying in their bid to secure food.”
The party accused the APC of being a “party of political vampires and profiteers,” alleging that the ruling party has no regard for human life and takes satisfaction in the suffering of Nigerians, including innocent children.
The opposition party expressed outrage over the government’s “false claims of performance” and empty promises of food sufficiency while neglecting critical investments in agriculture and food production.
It added, “The APC administration has ignored advice from the PDP and other concerned Nigerians to review its abrupt implementation of policies, including the steep increase in petroleum prices and the floating of the Naira, despite their devastating effects on the productive sector and the lives of citizens.”
The PDP further alleged that instead of using public resources to address the suffering of Nigerians, APC leaders are engaged in massive looting through inflated contracts, palliative diversion, budget padding, and fraudulent schemes that fail to benefit the populace.
