By Desire Uzochukwu
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to buy public support through expensive political rallies, insisting that spending on political spectacles cannot erase Nigerians’ concerns over poverty, insecurity and kidnappings.
The opposition party, in a statement by its National Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, criticised the APC’s spending on its recent rally in Kaduna, alleging that the exercise reflected a disconnect between the ruling party and citizens grappling with economic hardship and security challenges.
The PRP maintained that Nigerians were more concerned about their safety, living conditions and economic well-being than the size of political gatherings, warning that lavish displays could not substitute for effective governance.
“The contempt in the assumption that splashing a trillion Naira of our money to organize an event in Kaduna will make Nigerians forget unprecedented levels of poverty and insecurity under which we live has been noted,” Baba-Ahmed said.
The party also raised concerns over the security situation in Kaduna, alleging that bandits were abducting residents from their homes in the metropolis while the APC rally was taking place.
It further claimed that communities in other parts of the country continued to face kidnappings and ransom demands, arguing that the government should prioritise protecting lives over expensive political activities.
PRP demands justice for slain cleric
The party called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka at his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
Expressing concern over the incident, the PRP said those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.
“For what it is worth, the nation demands the arrest and prosecution of his assassins immediately,” the party said.
It argued that the persistent security challenges confronting communities across the country demanded urgent government action, insisting that political rallies should not distract attention from the responsibility to protect citizens.
Questions Tinubu’s health
The PRP also raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s health following what it described as his brief appearances at the Kaduna rally, urging him to ensure that he received appropriate medical attention.
The party linked its concerns to the broader responsibility of the presidency to provide effective leadership at a time when Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
However, the concerns about the President’s health were raised by the PRP and were not independently established in the statement.
The party maintained that the government’s primary responsibility was to protect lives and create conditions that would enable Nigerians to live with dignity, irrespective of political calculations ahead of the next general election.
PRP issues warning to APC
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PRP questioned the APC’s claims to popular support, arguing that political spending would not shield the ruling party from public dissatisfaction over economic and security challenges.
The opposition party said a credible election would give Nigerians the opportunity to decide the country’s political direction.
“In case the APC insists on living out its last few weeks in power in delusion, it should be reminded that a credible election in 2027 will bring an end to its failed leadership,” the party said.
The PRP reiterated that public confidence in government should be built through efforts to improve security, address poverty and respond to the everyday concerns of citizens, rather than through expensive political gatherings.
