Lagos PDP Critiques Tinubu's Independence Day Address

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State criticized President Bola Tinubu’s 66th Independence Day address, stating that it did not adequately address the hardships faced by Nigerians. The party highlighted that while Tinubu spoke of economic reforms and improved macroeconomic indicators, he failed to confront immediate issues such as rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment, and declining household purchasing power.

PDP spokesman Prince Christopher Odianarewo questioned when Nigerians would see the benefits of these reforms. Tinubu acknowledged the struggles of many Nigerians with food costs and other expenses but maintained that Nigeria was transitioning from an "age of reform" to an "age of prosperity." The PDP pointed to World Bank data indicating that 69.6% of Nigerians lived below the lower-middle-income poverty line in 2025, with 50.8% in extreme poverty.

They called for clear timelines from the Federal Government on reducing costs and creating jobs, asserting that prosperity must translate into measurable improvements in citizens' lives.