PDP Blames Tinubu’s Government for Hunger Stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, Anambra

• Demands Compensation for Victims of Food Stampedes

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concern over the recent tragic food stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra State, describing them as stark evidence of the deepening poverty and hopelessness engulfing the nation. The party blamed the incidents, which claimed the lives of about 60 Nigerians, including children, on the "insensitive, corrupt, and rudderless" administration of Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP lamented that the desperation exhibited by citizens struggling for food at private events is a reflection of the dire economic hardship imposed by the APC's policies. “It is heartbreaking that despite our abundant resources as a nation, Nigerians have been subjected to agonizing lives where they die struggling for food,” Ologunagba said.

The opposition party accused the APC government of destroying Nigeria’s once-thriving economy, leading to mass hunger, poverty, and despair. It alleged that citizens, unable to afford basic necessities, have been driven to extreme measures, including slavery missions abroad and dangerous fights for survival. “The APC administration has turned Nigeria into a land of desperation where citizens now resort to fighting over crumbs,” the statement added.

The PDP criticized what it described as the APC’s failure to invest in agriculture and the productive sector to ensure food security. “Instead of addressing these challenges, APC leaders have indulged in looting public resources through budget padding, contract inflation, and palliative racketeering,” the statement further alleged.

Addressing the events that led to the loss of lives in Oyo State, Anambra, and Abuja, the PDP commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift intervention in transporting victims of the Ibadan stampede to the hospital, saving several lives. The party also extended its condolences to the families of the victims across the three locations, calling for thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.

Hon. Ologunagba reiterated the PDP’s demand for a review of APC’s economic policies, which he described as “suffocating and life-discounting.” He urged the government to implement immediate interventions to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. “Our Party insists that any administration that is sensitive and cares for the people would have since introduced intervention programmes to ease the suffering and improve the welfare of the masses,” he said.

While praying for the repose of the deceased and the recovery of the injured, the PDP called on Nigerians to hold the APC accountable for the remote causes of the tragedies. "This is a government that thrives on empty assurances while turning a blind eye to the struggles of the ordinary Nigerian," Ologunagba stated, adding that the APC must take responsibility and provide recompense for the victims.