Dumebi Kachikwu, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called for an end to the ongoing protests, citing the loss of innocent lives.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Kachikwu expressed concern over the violence and deaths associated with the demonstrations, urging President Bola Tinubu to seek broader support to address the country’s challenges.
Kachikwu criticized the current approach to the protests, emphasizing the need for constructive opposition and dialogue. He stated, “We can’t continue killing ourselves. Our streets are stained with the blood of innocents. Over 19 people have been killed in these protests, and none of them were children of politicians or the wealthy.”
Highlighting the importance of collaborative leadership, Kachikwu urged President Tinubu to reach out across party lines. “This is not Tinubu’s problem alone. He must stop acting like he can solve everything by himself. Leadership requires him to gather the best minds, regardless of political affiliation, to find solutions.”
Kachikwu also called on the opposition to offer constructive solutions rather than mere criticism. “In advanced democracies, the opposition debates and proposes solutions. Here, we only abuse Tinubu without presenting any concrete alternatives.”
Addressing the anger towards President Tinubu, Kachikwu suggested lawful and democratic means of expressing dissent. “If you dislike Tinubu, pressure the National Assembly to remove him or wait for the next election in 2027. Heating up the polity and trying to oust a democratically elected government through unrest is akin to a coup.”
He also touched on the issue of fuel subsidies, advocating for their continuation but with strict measures to prevent fraud. Kachikwu concluded, “The federal government can maintain the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS), but it must ensure the system is free of corruption.”
