The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday condemned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly politicizing the recent stampedes in Ibadan, Oyo State; Abuja; and Anambra, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives during food distribution events.
In a statement issued in Abuja, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, expressed shock over the PDP’s response to the incidents, calling it “callous political chicanery” amid a time of national mourning. Morka was reacting to Sunday’s accusations from the opposition party, which blamed the APC-led government under President Bola Tinubu for the deadly events, describing them as a reflection of the widespread misery, poverty, and desperation for survival in the country.
Morka noted the opposition party’s failure to express genuine sympathy for the victims, instead choosing to blame the current government. He pointed out that the stampedes highlighted systemic issues in planning and organization, which could have been mitigated with better coordination by all parties involved.
The APC spokesperson also reminded Nigerians of the 2014 Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment stampede during the PDP administration, which resulted in the deaths of many job seekers. Morka stated that rather than engage in political finger-pointing, the PDP should have focused on the victims’ needs.
He added, “The PDP’s allegations only serve to remind Nigerians of its history of poor governance, with a record of maladministration and corruption. Their claims about the APC’s impact on the economy are unfounded, as the current government has steered the economy onto a path of steady recovery, distancing the nation from the falsehoods propagated by the previous administration.”
As Nigerians continue to mourn, the APC has called for a focus on solutions and meaningful support for the victims of the stampedes, while rejecting the politicization of such a tragic event.
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