PDP Strongly Criticises President Tinubu Over Plateau State Visit
The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing rebuke of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding his recent trip to Plateau State. The opposition party has labeled the visit as insensitive and inhumane, coming in the aftermath of tragic incidents that claimed the lives of more than 40 individuals in various parts of the state.
Delayed Response and Public Outrage
In a formal statement released on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP accused the Presidency of failing to exhibit adequate empathy and urgency following the attacks, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The party highlighted that the Presidency remained silent for over 48 hours after the incident, only taking action after widespread public outrage erupted over the President's initial failure to visit the affected communities.
According to the PDP, President Tinubu's eventual visit to Plateau State took place four days later and was characterized by what they described as a hurried and poorly managed engagement. The meeting with stakeholders and victims was conducted at the Jos Airport lounge, which the party argued was insufficient and disrespectful.
Allegations of Insensitivity and Poor Conduct
The President's insensitivity and inhumanity were on full display, the statement asserted, adding that his conduct during the visit provided little comfort to grieving families. The PDP further claimed that President Tinubu appeared impatient during the interaction, citing time constraints and inadequate lighting at the airport as reasons for limiting the meeting to just a few minutes before promptly returning to Abuja.
The party contended that such remarks, along with the overall tone of the visit, fell far short of the leadership expectations required during a period of national mourning. Describing the visit as performative and superficial, the PDP suggested it would have been preferable for the President to remain in Abuja rather than undertake what they termed a disgraceful display that, in their view, only exacerbated the pain of the victims.
Security Concerns and Policy Criticisms
The opposition party also linked the President's decision not to leave the airport to the deteriorating security situation in Plateau State, implying that this reflected the severe insecurity challenges facing the nation. According to the PDP, this development underscores what they described as the current administration's inability to effectively address security threats.
Additionally, the PDP dismissed the Federal Government's proposal to deploy 5,000 Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras as part of efforts to combat insecurity, labeling the measure as inadequate and overly simplistic. It is laughable to suggest that cameras are the panacea for the murderous insecurity ravaging Plateau State and the rest of the country, the statement added.
Call for Comprehensive Security Measures
Therefore, the PDP has called on the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to security. This strategy should emphasize robust community engagement and proactive measures to curb the escalating violence across Nigeria. The party's critique highlights ongoing political tensions and debates over governance and security management in the country.
