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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned recent editorial positions taken by The Punch and The Guardian newspapers, which it claims have fueled misinformation and public unrest regarding President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. The party expressed deep concern over The Punch’s October 23 editorial, describing it as a “rough stitch of misinformation” aimed at undermining Nigeria’s democratic progress and distorting the government’s economic agenda.
In a statement issued by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic values and reform goals, asserting that its journey since the end of military rule in 1999 has been marked by growth, despite challenges. Morka emphasized that democracy remains Nigeria’s best pathway to addressing socio-economic issues, dismissing any calls for military intervention, which he described as dangerous to the nation’s stability.
The APC’s statement specifically criticized The Punch Editorial Board, accusing it of prioritizing sensationalism over responsible journalism. According to the APC, The Punch’s portrayal of the recent fuel subsidy removal, which led to increased petrol prices, failed to consider both global market conditions and Nigeria’s financial reality. The APC argued that the removal of the petrol subsidy was essential to curbing corruption and redirecting resources toward productive sectors. The statement emphasized that the administration’s economic reforms are designed to benefit Nigerians through investments in small businesses, social welfare programs, and initiatives aimed at long-term economic growth.
Additionally, Morka’s statement took issue with The Guardian for its alleged “reckless call for military intervention,” which he argued threatens to derail Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic progress. The APC noted that any return to military rule would reverse decades of efforts to establish a system that protects citizens’ rights and fosters economic and social development.
“The media plays a crucial role in holding governments accountable and informing the public responsibly,” Morka stated. However, he warned that media outlets like The Punch and The Guardian could harm Nigeria’s democratic growth if they continue to fuel what he termed “pseudopopulist and sensationalist narratives.” He urged The Punch to “retract its incendiary and misleading editorial” and called on the publication to commit itself to fact-based analysis rather than manipulating public opinion for what the APC believes are “base interests.”
In calling out The Punch’s criticism of President Tinubu’s administration, Morka claimed that the publication has a history of antagonism, first against former President Muhammadu Buhari and now against Tinubu. He said that the organization’s editorial strategy has shifted away from constructive journalism, with a focus instead on sensationalism that Morka argued “tarnishes its 54 years of existence.”
Morka also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency and democracy, stressing that APC remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions and improving Nigeria’s economic prospects. He noted that the administration's recent reforms, while challenging, are ultimately geared toward creating a stable and prosperous future for the country.
As a concluding remark, Morka reiterated the APC’s stance in support of President Tinubu’s government, urging media organizations to exercise responsibility in their reporting and to contribute positively to Nigeria’s national development goals.
The APC’s statement has added another layer to the ongoing debate over the government’s economic reform strategy and the role of media in Nigeria’s democratic process, underlining the delicate balance between critical journalism and national interests as the administration pushes forward with its policies.
