The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has stated that claims made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Catholic bishops regarding improvements in the country’s economy and security contradict the reality on the ground.

The APM noted that making such claims to spiritual leaders of the status of Catholic bishops—at a time “when millions of Nigerians are sinking deeper into abject poverty and terrorists are having a field day killing, maiming, and kidnapping citizens across the country”—is “the height of contempt for the sensibilities of both the respected bishops and Nigerians.”

Abubakar Yusuf, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, stated that contrary to claims by President Tinubu that “the economy has recovered” and that his administration has steered the nation away from “bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” independent data from credible institutions show that the poverty rate has risen above 63% in 2026. This indicates that over 140 million Nigerians have been plunged into poverty under the Tinubu administration.

The APM questioned how President Tinubu could believe that any Nigerian, let alone clergymen who are in constant touch with the “suffering masses,” would believe claims that the economy is improving. The party emphasized that this is “especially unrealistic after triggering an increase in fuel prices—a development that set off an adverse chain reaction, pushing transport fares, food prices, school fees, medical bills, house rent, electricity tariffs, and everyday goods and services far beyond the reach of citizens.”

Furthermore, the APM urged Nigerians to note that the Tinubu administration has taken no decisive action beyond making promises and commitments in the fight against terrorism.

“Instead, some officials of the Tinubu administration and certain leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make unguarded statements that embolden terrorists, including voicing antagonism against calls for an international probe into acts of terrorism in Nigeria,” the statement added.

The APM also challenged President Tinubu to demonstrate his claimed achievements by leaving the comfort of the Presidential Villa to travel by road to any city of his choice in Nigeria or visit any local market and attempt to tell Nigerians that their lives have improved over the last three years.

The party urged President Tinubu’s handlers to stop exposing the President to public ridicule, asserting that “forum shopping to peddle false performance claims will not save him from defeat in the 2027 general election.” (Daily Trust)

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