PDP to Tinubu: Canceling trip is “tokenism,” relocate to Kebbi to lead from front
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to cancel his planned trips to South Africa and Angola as a “perfunctory gesture” and the “boldest example of tokenism.”
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party challenged the President to temporarily relocate to conflict zones like Kebbi State if his administration is serious about tackling the nation’s insecurity.
The PDP argued that while the trip cancellation might superficially appear to show sympathy for victims like the abducted Maga schoolgirls, it lacks substantive action.
The party demanded that President Tinubu demonstrate leadership by moving his base to the frontlines of the armed conflict in Northern Nigeria.
“Such a move will not only challenge the security agencies to act more decisively in ending the ongoing carnage but will also boost the morale of the troops on the frontlines,” the statement read. “As President and Commander-in-Chief… he must demonstrate leadership by leading from the front, as true leaders do in moments of grave national challenge.”
The party criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration for responding to the pervasive insecurity with “outright denials, rationalised explanations, empty assurances, and other superficial gestures.”
It warned that without concrete strategic actions, the canceled trip would be remembered as nothing more than a “media stunt” aimed at currying public favor.
Contrasting the government’s approach to insecurity with its handling of political crises, the PDP alleged that President Tinubu would have deployed all resources to find a solution if it were a political matter, like the situation in Rivers State.
The statement concluded by putting the presidency “on notice,” stating that Nigerians are tired of symbolic gestures and “cosmetic efforts designed to score political points.”
“What the nation urgently requires is decisive leadership, strategic action, and effective support for the security forces,” the PDP asserted. “The safety of Nigerians cannot be reduced to mere theatrics… This situation demands seriousness, not symbolism. The presidency must rise to the occasion or make way for those who can.”
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