Address economic hardship… stop attacking critics, Tambuwal’s media office replies APC

The media office of Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto, has asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver on its campaign promises instead of attacking critics of its policies. 

On Saturday, Tambuwal said no politician with a conscience would join the APC, adding that those defecting to the ruling party are driven by “stomach infrastructure”.

The former speaker of the house of representatives said the current economic crisis in the country makes membership of the ruling APC unattractive.

Responding to Tambuwal’s remarks, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, described the former governor as a “notorious and vainglorious party defector” who should not be insulting those joining the ruling party.

He said Tambuwal’s “itinerant defections” from one party to another were driven by “stomach infrastructure”.

In a statement on Monday, the senator’s media team said Morka’s statement is an attempt by the ruling party to silence opposition voices and divert public attention from the deepening crises in the country. 

“Rather than addressing the pressing issues of economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failure, the APC resorts to cheap propaganda and personal attacks — a tactic that underscores its desperation and failure of leadership,” the statement reads.

“As an experienced statesman, he has witnessed the APC’s increasing use of coercion, enticement, and intimidation to weaken the opposition and pave the way for one-party authoritarian rule.

“His warning serves as a wake-up call for all Nigerians to reject opportunistic politics and prioritise leadership defined by integrity, principle, and vision.

“The APC’s attempt to frame recent defections as a result of President Tinubu’s so-called economic reforms is both misleading and insulting to Nigerians who continue to endure unprecedented hardship. 

“The reality under this administration is grim. Inflation has soared, pushing the cost of living beyond the reach of millions, while insecurity has worsened, turning homes, farms, and highways into danger zones.

“Unemployment rates continue to rise, with countless businesses shutting down, leaving many in despair and deepening the scourge of poverty.”

The statement added that as “one of the founding fathers” of the APC, Tambuwal “demonstrated an unassailable record of selflessness and patriotism”.