Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent statement urging Nigerians to seek divine intervention to solve the country’s problems has drawn sharp criticism from major opposition parties.
Speaking in Hausa during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina on Saturday, Buhari remarked, “Only God who created Nigeria can solve the problems of Nigeria.” His comments have sparked widespread reactions, particularly on social media, with many viewing them as an admission of failure by the APC-led governments.
NNPP’s Response: “An Admission of Failure”
The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, described Buhari’s statement as evidence of the APC’s inability to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.
“This statement by the former president shows that even the current administration is confused. It’s an admission that the APC government has totally failed Nigerians, leading us into an economic downturn. What we need are competent leaders, and the APC has proven it cannot provide the leadership required to turn this country around,” Johnson said.
PDP: “A Vote of No Confidence in Tinubu”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) echoed similar sentiments, accusing Buhari of indirectly indicting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, Buhari’s remarks highlight the continuation of leadership failures under the APC.
“Buhari failed to mention that he laid the groundwork for this government and its ineptitude. His statement is a vote of no confidence in President Tinubu, who is merely giving colourful speeches without action. This is a wake-up call to salvage the country from going the way of South Sudan,” Osadolor stated.
Osadolor urged Nigerians to move beyond partisanship and work collectively to address the nation’s challenges, emphasizing that Tinubu’s government is merely consolidating the failures of its predecessor.
Labour Party: “Younger Leaders Are the Solution”
The National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, was unsurprised by Buhari’s statement, calling it a reflection of the APC’s governance style. He expressed frustration over repeated cycles of leadership disappointment and called for younger leaders to take the reins.
“I’m not surprised Buhari achieved little during his tenure. Until Nigeria includes a younger generation of leaders, we will not enjoy the dividends of democracy seen in other parts of the world. The current government, like previous ones, is not listening to outside counsel, and that’s a systemic failure,” Ahanotu argued.
He added that Buhari’s lamentation lacked meaning because it came from a system that perpetuates the same governance flaws.
Public Reactions and Broader Implications
The opposition parties’ critiques reflect growing dissatisfaction with APC’s governance over the past decade. Buhari’s remarks, while intended to inspire hope, have instead fueled debates about accountability, leadership failure, and the need for systemic reforms.
Nigerians on social media have also expressed mixed reactions, with many echoing the opposition’s sentiments. The growing calls for a generational shift in leadership point to the rising demand for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, especially from the younger population.
As the Tinubu administration continues its tenure, political analysts believe that addressing the root causes of the country’s issues—such as insecurity, economic instability, and poor governance—will be critical in regaining public trust and steering Nigeria toward sustainable development.
