By Ayomide Otitoju
Former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has criticized the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. He described these decisions as crippling the Nigerian economy.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Ologbondiyan argued that a phased removal of petrol subsidies, accompanied by meaningful palliatives, would have been a more sustainable approach. He highlighted public transportation subsidies as a practical alternative to the distribution of subsidized rice.
“What has brought Nigeria to its knees are these two major decisions made by President Tinubu, particularly on subsidy removal and naira floatation. Under past PDP administrations, subsidy removal was phased and supported by palliatives that addressed the actual needs of Nigerians,” Ologbondiyan stated.
He further criticized the current administration for failing to address the core needs of Nigerians, citing the surge in petrol prices, which have risen from an average of ₦189 per litre in May 2023 to over ₦1,000 per litre in recent months.
Ologbondiyan’s comments followed a meeting of PDP governors over the weekend, where they called for economic reforms and postponed the party’s National Executive Council meeting until February 2025.
At the meeting, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed the party’s unity and commitment to good governance. He praised the PDP as an “indivisible party” and expressed confidence in its ability to provide hope and better opportunities for Nigerians.
“The PDP remains an indivisible party. Despite minor hiccups, we are united with all organs and leaders of the party. We will continue to work together to provide Nigerians with opportunities for better governance,” Mohammed said.
The PDP governors also discussed tax reforms and other measures aimed at addressing the nation’s pressing economic challenges. However, Ologbondiyan cautioned that more proactive engagement with the administration was needed to present viable alternatives.
“While the PDP has championed tax reforms, the reality is that the economy remains in a dire state. Most Nigerians cannot even afford to feed, and the policies being implemented do little to alleviate their suffering,” he added.
The PDP leadership emphasized its readiness to work collaboratively and offer solutions to the country’s economic woes while maintaining its position as a robust opposition party.
