PDP and NNPP say Atiku only echoed the pain of Nigerians after APC branded his hunger warning “reckless.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have defended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked his warning on worsening hunger.
On Monday, the APC described Atiku’s comments as “reckless, irresponsible and a tacit instigation of revolution.” But opposition leaders say the ruling party is trying to silence critics and avoid responsibility for Nigeria’s economic crisis.
Speaking to PUNCH Online, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said: “I do not think Atiku would be involved in inciting the Nigerian citizenry… If one says that there is hunger in the land and people are suffering, I do not think that has gone too far.”
Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, also argued that Atiku “gave voice to the thoughts of millions who can hardly afford two meals a day,” accusing the APC of being “isolated from the realities of everyday Nigeria.”