Umar Damagum, the embattled acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken a swipe at Nigerians who voted for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election in exchange for food items and clothing.
In a bold statement, Damagum remarked that those who accepted these trade-offs are now the ones bearing the brunt of the economic hardship under the current administration.
After a closed-door meeting with PDP stakeholders and the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, Damagum expressed his disappointment with voters who prioritized short-term gains like spaghetti and wrappers over the long-term stability of the country. He pointed out that these individuals are now feeling the full weight of Tinubu’s economic policies.
“Those who accepted spaghetti and wrappers to bring in this government are suffering the most, and this should serve as a lesson,” Damagum declared, in a statement that underscores the PDP’s criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He went further to question the preparedness of the APC to lead Nigeria, arguing that no meaningful progress can be made under an administration that lacks the readiness and competence to govern. He emphasized that the ongoing economic challenges Nigerians are facing today are a direct result of the policies implemented by the APC under Tinubu’s leadership.
Damagun urged Nigerians to reflect on their choices and consider leaders who have proven their credibility and capability to govern effectively. He specifically criticized the reliance on slogans like “Emilokan” (It’s my turn), which was popularized by Tinubu during his campaign, as inadequate to guide the nation toward meaningful development.
The Damagum remarks come as the country continues to grapple with widespread economic challenges, including high inflation, fuel price increases, and rising unemployment, which many have attributed to the new administration’s policies.