APM Criticizes Tinubu Over Attack on Onaiyekan

The Allied People’s Movement has asked President Bola Tinubu to step back from the presidential race if he cannot solve Nigeria’s growing economic and security issues.

The opposition party also condemned what it called attacks by the presidency on Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja Catholic Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.

They said the attack on the respected cleric for his comments on Nigeria’s economy shows a lack of tolerance for differing views. It also shows the Federal Government's unwillingness to address the worries of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM called the reported attacks on Onaiyekan unacceptable. They argued that religious leaders should be respected for speaking out on national issues.

“Since President Tinubu has shown through his reliance on excuses that he has no solutions, he should withdraw from the presidential race and allow younger hands with workable solutions to manage the affairs of our nation,” the statement said.

The APM strongly condemned the presidency’s attack on Archbishop Onaiyekan over his comments about the worsening economic situation under President Tinubu’s government. “Rather than engaging with concerns raised by respected citizens and faith leaders, the government has chosen to resort to personal attacks,” the statement added.

“This resort to personal attacks against respected citizens for speaking out on the suffering of Nigerians clearly shows the administration’s disdain for the public. It also confirms that the administration is unwilling to listen to the voice of reason or take decisive steps to address the challenges facing our nation,” it stressed.

The APM said Onaiyekan’s remarks reflect the realities facing many Nigerians who are dealing with rising living costs and insecurity.

“As leaders who interact daily with citizens across communities, religious leaders serve as credible voices that any administration with the interests of Nigerians at heart should respect and value. Their observations deserve careful attention, not hostility,” the party added.

The party noted that faith-based leaders are in a good position to understand the challenges facing Nigerians because they engage closely with communities.

“Faith-based leaders do not speak in isolation. They listen to citizens, counsel families, support vulnerable communities, and understand the realities facing the people. Their interventions should be received in good faith and considered valuable feedback for the government.”

The APM also accused the Federal Government of focusing on critics instead of addressing urgent national issues.

“It is unfortunate that rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of worsening insecurity and biting economic hardship raised by religious leaders, the government chose instead to attack and ridicule them for drawing attention to the plight of Nigerians,” it argued.

The party pointed out that such responses undermine democratic values, including freedom of expression and accountability.

“Democracy thrives when leaders listen to the people, respect opposing views, and respond to genuine concerns with humility. Resorting to personal attacks against Nigerians, including respected religious leaders, only deepens public distrust and diverts attention from the urgent task of addressing the economic difficulties confronting the nation,” the statement further said.

The APM added that Tinubu cannot keep blaming the country's problems on inherited challenges. “Nigerians want solutions, not excuses,” it said.

The opposition party called on the president to apologize to Cardinal Onaiyekan and other religious leaders who have spoken out on national issues.

“What Nigerians expect now is for President Tinubu to apologize to the nation for these unwarranted attacks directed at respected faith-based leaders for voicing the concerns of the people,” the statement continued.

The APM believes that democracy grows through dialogue and constructive engagement, not by silencing critical voices.

“The path to national progress lies in listening to the people, respecting institutions, embracing accountability, and responding decisively to the genuine concerns of citizens.”

The party urged the Federal Government to focus on policies that will tackle hunger, improve security, and restore public confidence instead of clashing with critics.

This statement comes after recent public exchanges over Onaiyekan's comments on Nigeria’s economic conditions and insecurity. These remarks have sparked political debate, with government supporters defending its economic reforms. Critics argue that the administration should focus more on the growing hardships many Nigerians face.

The Tinubu administration has maintained that its economic reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth, despite the short-term challenges associated with these policies.