APC Says Tinubu Didn't Set Deadline for Ending Poverty

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that President Bola Tinubu never promised to end poverty within a specific time. They want Nigerians to judge his performance after eight years in office.

Felix Morka, the party's spokesperson, shared this during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday. He responded to questions about Tinubu's campaign promises to fight poverty and hunger, create jobs, and boost economic growth.

Morka argued that campaign promises related to long-term goals should not be seen as deadlines to meet within a few years.

"When a president or anyone running for office makes campaign speeches and sets goals, they are subject to gradual achievement. They are not immediate results," he said.

He emphasized that Tinubu did not set a clear timeline for ending poverty.

"The president never said that in the first month, 100 days, or in the first two or three years, he would eradicate poverty. You didn’t read that in what you just mentioned. So, let's look at this properly," he added.

Morka also pointed to the constitution, which allows presidents to run for re-election for another four years. He claimed this gives a chance to keep working on policies and reforms.

"There’s a reason the Constitution allows every elected president to run for re-election. Four years initially, and if the citizens decide, they can re-elect that president for another four years. There’s a reason for that," he said.

According to him, the first term helps a president understand the country's problems and set a direction. The second term gives them a chance to build on the initial work.

When asked when Nigerians should expect Tinubu to keep his promises, like creating one million jobs in the digital economy, Morka questioned the need for a timeline.

"I am surprised you’re asking me for a timeline. You were the one who said this president has not fulfilled his promises. You said the time was too short," he noted.

He added that Tinubu aims to secure another four years to finish his administration’s work.

"At the end of eight years, you can come back and have this discussion," Morka concluded.