PDP Slams Tinubu’s 2026 Budget, Says Nigerians Face ‘Consolidated Renewed Sufferings’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026 budget proposal, describing it as a “budget of consolidated renewed sufferings” rather than one that delivers shared prosperity for Nigerians.

In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party reacted to President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.” The PDP argued that the budget fails to reflect the economic realities faced by most Nigerians.

The party rejected the President’s claim that the economy is stabilising, despite a cited 3.98 per cent GDP growth rate. According to the PDP, economic growth alone does not translate into improved living standards. It referenced the 2025 World Bank Poverty and Equity Brief, which estimates that more than 30.9 per cent of Nigerians live below the international extreme poverty line.

“This shows growth without prosperity,” the statement said, adding that whatever gains exist are not reaching the majority of citizens.

The PDP also compared the current growth figure with the 6.87 per cent growth recorded in 2013 under the last PDP administration, which it said was driven largely by non-oil sectors such as agriculture and trade. It argued that the present growth rate is inconsistent with widespread hunger, rising living costs and other indicators of economic hardship.

While acknowledging the security allocation in the 2026 budget, the party said funding alone would not resolve insecurity without effective and transparent implementation. It called for improved equipment, intelligence capabilities and welfare for security personnel, noting allegations that criminal groups possess superior arms in some conflict areas.

The opposition party further expressed concern over President Tinubu’s admission that the execution of the 2024 capital budget had been extended to December 2025, while the 2025 budget remains in force. The PDP said the concurrent operation of multiple budgets undermines fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.

Describing the situation as a departure from best practices, the party called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public finances, warning that these were essential for rebuilding public trust.