The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of displaying “unseriousness” and remaining “largely unconcerned” about the recent killings in Benue State that claimed over 200 lives.
In a strongly-worded statement released Monday by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the main opposition party condemned what it described as the president’s “lethargic approach” to addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.
The PDP alleged that bandits and terrorists are becoming increasingly emboldened by the current administration’s inadequate response to security threats across the nation.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in very strong terms condemns the gruesome massacre of over 200 Nigerians including children in Benue State describing it as another horrifying chapter in the history of our nation under the unresponsive All Progressives Congress (APC) government,” Ologunagba said in the statement.
The opposition party painted a grim picture of the security situation, describing how “terrorists and bandits invaded and overran communities in series of coordinated daily bloody attacks, unleashing violence, murdering hundreds of defenseless compatriots unchallenged.”
The PDP directly blamed President Tinubu’s leadership style for the deteriorating security situation, suggesting that his approach has given criminals free rein to terrorize communities.
“It is clear that the assailants marauding communities in various States of our country are being emboldened by President Tinubu’s lethargic approach to security as well as the alleged complicity of the APC which has failed to decisively confront the situation given its reported connection with terrorist interests,” the statement read.
The party expressed particular outrage at what it characterized as the president’s detached response to the crisis, criticizing his reliance on press statements rather than direct action.
“It is traumatic to watch the gory pictures and videos of Nigerians who were murdered in cold blood in Benue State and other parts of the country while President Tinubu and the APC carry on as if all is well,” the PDP stated.
The opposition party went further to question Tinubu’s fitness for office, arguing that he has failed to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“President Tinubu should be held responsible for the killings in Nigeria having not demonstrated the will and commitment expected of a Commander-in-Chief in the fight against terrorism in our country,” the statement declared.
The PDP claimed that instead of taking decisive action, the president “has remained largely aloof and resorted to passing the buck with his aides issuing lame press statements without corresponding urgent presidential action to guarantee the security of citizens.”
In a particularly harsh assessment of the current administration’s priorities, the party alleged that “President Tinubu and the APC are overwhelmed and have abandoned the security and wellbeing of citizens which are the primary purpose of government. Instead, they are focused on politics and illusive re-election in 2027 while leaving the nation at the mercy of outlaws.”
The PDP made the startling claim that “over 600,000 Nigerians” have been killed “in the last two years,” suggesting a massive escalation in violence under the current administration.
The opposition party issued specific demands for presidential action, calling on Tinubu to “end his lethargic approach to security” and “show leadership as the Commander-in-Chief.”
“He should lead from the front by immediately visiting the troubled communities in Benue State and take decisive action to end the killings in the country,” the PDP urged.
Despite its harsh criticism of the president, the party was careful to commend the security forces for their efforts under challenging circumstances.
“The PDP however commends our security forces for their gallantry and sacrifices to secure our nation especially under an incompetent Commander-in-Chief,” the statement noted.
The party concluded by expressing sympathy for the victims and their families while encouraging security agencies to continue their efforts despite what it characterized as poor leadership from the top.
“Our Party deeply commiserates with the families of the victims of the senseless killings in Benue State and other parts of our country and urges our security agencies not to relent in their effort to ensure the security of lives and property in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The PDP’s statement represents one of the most direct challenges to President Tinubu’s handling of security issues since he took office, setting up a potential political confrontation as the administration grapples with multiple security crises across the country.
