The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his prolonged vacation in Paris, France.
This was just as the party accused the president of abandoning the responsibilities of governance to family members, aides and other unelected individuals.
It alleged that Tinubu’s absence from the country had contributed to what it described as a leadership vacuum, particularly in the areas of insecurity, economic management and Nigeria’s international engagements.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM claimed that individuals close to the President had effectively taken control of the administration.
“The Party also asserts that President Tinubu has abdicated his official duties to a cabal comprising of family members, principal aides and other unelected persons who have seized control of the administration,” Yusuf said.
The party also faulted Tinubu for his absence from major international engagements, particularly the United Nations General Assembly, arguing that such absences could weaken Nigeria’s representation and diplomatic interests.
“Mr. President’s repeated absence at meetings of world leaders, particularly, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) also underscores his inability to effectively represent, propagate and drive Nigeria’s interest at the global level,” the APM said.
On the security situation, the party questioned why Tinubu had allegedly not visited communities affected by terrorism, kidnapping and banditry or met directly with victims and bereaved families.
“Is it not absurd that President Tinubu has never visited any of the communities being ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits? Is it not equally absurd that President Tinubu has never directly met with grieving families and victims?” it asked.
The APM claimed that over 600,000 Nigerians had been killed and many others abducted by terrorist groups in the last three years, blaming the situation on what it called the administration’s “languid approach” to insecurity.
The opposition party also criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, tax measures and borrowing.
It alleged that the policies had increased pressure on households and businesses, citing unemployment of 33.3 per cent and a poverty rate of 63 per cent.
The APM further claimed that more than 140 million Nigerians had been pushed into severe economic hardship, while putting the country’s debt burden at N159.28 trillion.
It also linked the economic situation to the continued migration of Nigerians, claiming that more than 3.7 million people had left the country in the “Japa” wave, with consequences for critical sectors experiencing skilled manpower shortages.
The party argued that the combination of insecurity, economic hardship and what it described as weak leadership meant Nigeria could not afford another four years of the Tinubu administration.
“The fact is that Nigeria cannot afford another four years under such an insensitive and rudderless administration. President Tinubu must understand that Nigeria requires a leader with full stamina, who is present, accessible and fully engaged in governance,” it said.
The APM then promoted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, its presidential candidate, as its preferred alternative ahead of the 2027 election. The party described Makinde as a younger and experienced politician, pointing to his record in Oyo State and his proposed blueprint to “Reset Nigeria”.
It consequently urged Tinubu to abandon his reported bid for a second term and support Makinde in the 2027 presidential election.
“Governance cannot be left to uncertainty, nor can the lives of about 250 million Nigerians be placed on autopilot,” the party said.
Meanwhile, a political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has declared his support for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition but warned that he would withdraw that support if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position.
Utomi made the position known in a post on his official X account on Thursday, stressing that his support for Obi was based on the kind of leadership he believed Nigeria needed.
“Peter Obi has my support for the presidency.
“But my position is clear, I am not supporting the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’s Vice President.
“The day Peter Obi accepts a Vice Presidential position, I will walk away from his corner. I have said this plainly, and I stand by it,” he said.
Utomi also called for a national conversation on the age of politicians seeking executive office, proposing that presidential and governorship candidates should be aged 70 or below.
He argued that the presidency should not become a retirement destination for politicians, but should be occupied by leaders focused on Nigeria’s future.
“I have also argued that we should begin to rethink the age of those seeking executive office. The Nigerian presidency should not become a retirement home for politicians.
“I believe there should be a serious national conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those aged 70 or below,” Utomi said.
