APM dares Tinubu to visit local areas and markets

The Allied People’s Movement has dared President Bola Tinubu to step out of the Presidential Villa. They want him to visit communities and markets across Nigeria to see for himself if his government’s claims about the economy and security are true.

In a statement on Wednesday from its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the opposition party called the President's statements “illusory.” They said these claims do not match the reality that many Nigerians face, as they struggle with high living costs, insecurity, and economic hardship.

This criticism came after President Tinubu spoke with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. During that meeting, he told the bishops that his administration had stabilized the economy and moved Nigeria away from what he called “bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty.”

The APM accused the president of giving a false impression of Nigeria's situation to respected religious leaders. They said that while the president speaks positively, ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer from economic difficulties.

The party expressed disappointment that instead of addressing the real issues, the government seems to be engaging in “forum shopping” to create a better image.

“The APM believes that making such false claims to spiritual leaders like the Catholic Bishops, when millions of Nigerian families are sinking deeper into poverty and terrorists are freely killing and kidnapping people, is disrespectful to both the bishops and Nigerians,” the statement said in part.

The APM also challenged the president's claim about the economy recovering. They argued that the economic indicators show that many Nigerians are struggling even more.

The party pointed out that rising poverty levels, high living costs, and increasing public debt contradict the government’s claims that things are getting better.

They asked how the president expects Nigerians to believe in economic recovery when the end of fuel subsidy and rising petrol prices have caused transportation costs, food prices, school fees, medical bills, rent, and other essential services to go up.

“How can President Tinubu think that any Nigerian, especially clergymen who are close to the suffering masses, will believe his claims about the economy improving?” the party questioned.

On the issue of security, the APM accused the government of not taking strong action against terrorism and other violent crimes. They said that insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across Nigeria.

The party criticized statements from some government officials and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress. They believe these statements could hurt efforts to tackle terrorism.

The APM also challenged President Tinubu to show his faith in Nigeria's health system. They want him to travel by road within Nigeria instead of going abroad for medical care.

“The APM challenges President Tinubu to stay in Nigeria for the rest of his term and benefit from the ‘wonderful’ healthcare his administration has provided,” they said.

They also encouraged the President to visit any local market or travel by road to any city and explain to Nigerians how their living conditions have improved under his leadership.

The party warned that trying to highlight achievements without addressing public concerns will not change how voters feel as the 2027 general election approaches.

The APM said its presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has the experience and leadership skills needed to tackle the country’s problems.

“Such tactics will not help President Tinubu against our presidential candidate, Engr Seyi Makinde, who has shown the ability, skills, presence of mind, and integrity to lead Nigeria out of the troubles where President Tinubu has put it,” the statement added.

Tinubu’s government has defended its economic reforms, including ending the fuel subsidy and changing foreign exchange rules. They argue these steps are necessary to stabilize the economy and attract investment.

But opposition parties and critics continue to challenge these policies. They point to rising living costs and hardships faced by families across the nation.

The latest criticism from the APM adds to the growing political debate as the 2027 general election nears. Opposition parties are increasingly questioning the Federal Government’s record on economy and security while the government insists that its reforms will bring long-term benefits.