CUPP to Tinubu: You’ve lost touch with reality

 APC state chairmen to meet with FG over economic hardship

Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) is doubtful of President Bola Tinubu’s consciousness of present realities in the country. The political group noted that the President’s rhetoric often emphasised prudence and sacrifice, while his actions told a different story.

Meanwhile, state chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrived Abuja, yesterday, for a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) only to meet a near-empty party secretariat.

They, however, told journalists that they were planning separate meetings with party leaders and the Federal Government on the prevailing hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy.

CUPP, in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, pointed to the President’s extravagant convoy during a visit to Lagos State.

“This incident highlighted a concerning trend: Tinubu’s defenders refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing, no matter how egregious. The convoy controversy came after Tinubu had spoken about the need for belt-tightening. If his supporters had challenged the optics of a 200-plus vehicle convoy, perhaps he would not have included Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the First Lady in his inaugural budget.

“This move seemed designed to legitimise the office and signalled how he views federal resources. It is worth noting that if the First Lady required an SUV, various government agencies would have readily provided one.”

According to the coalition, Tinubu’s subsequent purchase of a private jet further underscores his tone-deafness regarding optics, and his unwillingness to consider the public perception is alarming.

It stated: “This disconnect between words and action erodes trust and undermines his leadership. Tinubu seems to be out of touch with the harsh realities faced by at least 80 per cent of the population he leads. His constant calls for ‘reforms’ and ‘hard decisions’ ring hollow when he fails to demonstrate willingness to make sacrifices. Leadership by example is crucial, especially when asking citizens to bear the brunt of difficult choices.

“It is time for the President to connect with the everyday struggles of his people and show that he is committed to sharing the burden of reform. When a leader asks his people to make sacrifices, he must be willing to demonstrate a similar commitment. Yet, Tinubu’s actions suggest that he is unwilling to share the burden of reform.”

CUPP urged Tinubu to recognise the need to connect with his people and show that he is committed to sharing the burden of reform. Ameh added: “Only then can he hope to build the trust and support necessary to drive meaningful change in Nigeria.”

As the party chairmen waited, there was no sign of the National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, nor was there any member of the National Working Committee (NWC) on hand to receive them.

Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen Alphonsus Ogah, disclosed this to newsmen at the APC headquarters in Abuja. Ogah, who is the chairman of APC in Cross Rivers State, said the forum was conscious of what Nigerians were going through as a result of the economic reforms by the present administration.   He also commended the APC NWC for the extensions granted to the caretaker committee of Rivers State APC led by Tony Okocha.

This, according to him, was due to the activities of Okocha’s executives in the past seven months, which had not only made Rivers APC one of the most active, but also gave the political landscape in Rivers a new life prior to the 2023 general election.

He also debunked the speculation that APC has become insensitive to the plight of Nigerians, who are passing through the hardship occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy, floating of the naira and other harsh economic policies.

“You spoke about the hardship being experienced by Nigerians. Yes, everybody has been complaining. We are not unaware of that.

“We are going to have a closed-door meeting with the party on one side, and another with the Federal Government. Until that matter is addressed, it will be premature to address the press with some of these issues. Be assured that in no distant time, you will hear from us again,” he noted.