NDC Slams Tinubu's Independence Day Address as 'Platitudes'

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has voiced strong criticism regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent Independence speech, describing it as rich in platitudes but notably lacking in substantive content. This assertion was made by Osa Director, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, during an interview conducted in Abuja following Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary celebrations.

President Tinubu's address had painted a picture of economic progress, asserting that Nigeria had transitioned from a phase of economic reforms into an “age of prosperity.” He highlighted several indicators to support this claim, including an economic growth rate exceeding 4% this year, with significant contributions from both the oil and non-oil sectors. The President further stated that oil theft had decreased, inflation had fallen substantially from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt, and the foreign exchange market had stabilized. Notably, Tinubu emphasized that 2025 marked the country’s highest revenue from non-oil exports in its history, surpassing $6 billion, which he attributed to real money generated by genuine Nigerian businesses.

Moreover, President Tinubu referenced external validation for his administration’s economic policies. He claimed that international observers, journalists, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and multilateral institutions had all acknowledged the positive changes, concluding that Nigeria’s reforms had enhanced its economic stability and resilience. The private sector, according to Tinubu, had also delivered a positive verdict, evidenced by a continuous rise in foreign direct investment each year.

However, the NDC spokesperson, Osa Director, directly countered the President’s optimistic narrative. Director argued that Nigerians do not require explicit declarations or assurances about the functionality of “so-called” reforms. Instead, the true measure of these reforms, he posited, would be tangibly felt and visibly observed in the improved living conditions of the populace. Director further challenged the impact of Tinubu’s speech by suggesting a comparison with the address delivered by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the NDC, implying that such a comparison would reveal a stark difference in substance and relevance to the common citizen’s reality.