APC Chairman Urges Opposition to Present Alternatives to Tinubu’s Policies

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has challenged opposition parties to move beyond criticising President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and instead offer practical alternatives.

Yilwatda made the call during the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner held at the House of Representatives Complex in Abuja. He was represented at the event by Daniel Rejenieju.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said many opposition figures also pledged during the 2023 election campaigns to remove the fuel subsidy but failed to present realistic measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians.

He described the removal of the fuel subsidy as an unavoidable decision aimed at preventing the country’s fiscal collapse, arguing that the subsidy system had become unsustainable and primarily benefited a privileged few at the expense of national development.

Yilwatda urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, expressing confidence that the current economic challenges would eventually give way to sustainable growth, fiscal stability and shared prosperity.

According to him, President Tinubu has shown political courage by implementing reforms that previous administrations acknowledged were necessary but failed to carry out.

He maintained that the current economic difficulties are temporary consequences of reforms designed to address long-standing structural problems in the economy.

The APC chairman highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration’s key interventions, noting that it has expanded access to higher education by providing financial support to millions of students across the country.

He also said the reforms have improved fiscal discipline and increased allocations to states, enabling sub-national governments to pay workers’ salaries, execute infrastructure projects and enhance service delivery.

Yilwatda appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united in supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

At the event, Jubrin Bancir, Personal Private Secretary to the APC National Chairman, received the award for Most Outstanding Personal Private Secretary in Nigerian Politics, while Caroline Omeashem, Secretary in the Chairman’s Office, was honoured for Outstanding Confidentiality and Professional Service.

The organisers said the awards recognised their professionalism, dedication and contributions to the efficient administration of the APC chairman’s office.

Earlier, the convener of the awards, Uko Miracle, commended the Tinubu administration and the APC leadership, saying his organisation had documented the government’s achievements through engagements with ministries, departments and agencies.

Fatima Abbas, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also praised the organisers for recognising excellence in public service.