.jpeg)
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for what it described as a “callous” attempt to politicize the recent tragic stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory. These incidents, which claimed several lives, have thrown the nation into mourning, prompting sober reflection on safety measures at large gatherings.
In a statement issued on December 23, 2024, by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC criticized the PDP for using the tragedies as an opportunity to attack the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“At a time of national grief... the PDP chose to politicize the grief of the victims by blaming the stampedes on the APC-led administration,” the statement read.
Recalling the 2014 stampede during a Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise under the PDP-led administration, the APC accused its political rival of gross hypocrisy. That incident, which occurred at the Abuja stadium, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries among desperate job seekers.
“Nigerians have not forgotten the tragic stampede... that left many desperate job seekers dead and scores injured,” the APC noted, describing the PDP’s criticisms as “grossly indecent, insensitive, and despicable.”
The APC defended President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing his administration’s numerous welfare programs and reforms aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by Nigerians.
Key initiatives highlighted include:
- Investments in alternative energy sources and vehicle conversions to compressed natural gas (CNG).
- The introduction of the Credit Corps scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
- Increased salaries for workers and allowances for corps members.
- Subsidized transportation fares during festive periods.
- Grants for farmers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“These initiatives demonstrate this administration’s people-centric approach,” the statement emphasized.
Responding to PDP’s claims that the APC had “ruptured a once-thriving economy,” the ruling party argued that the PDP’s legacy was one of economic distortions and rampant corruption.
“For years, successive PDP administrations operated a phantom economy... while deluding Nigerians into thinking that the economy was healthy,” the APC asserted. It credited President Tinubu’s administration with bold reforms to rebuild the nation’s economy and dismantle barriers to sustainable growth, noting that these efforts are already yielding positive results.
The APC commended President Tinubu for canceling his scheduled activities in honor of the victims and reiterated its condolences to the bereaved families.
“We commiserate with families that lost their loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.
The APC’s statement follows recent stampedes during charity events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra, which resulted in multiple fatalities. These incidents have sparked national conversations about the need for stricter safety measures and better crowd management during large gatherings.
As political parties debate accountability, the focus remains on ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.
