PDP Criticizes Tinubu’s 2026 Budget, Labels It a Plan of “Renewed Hardships” for Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026 budget, branding it as a “budget of consolidated renewed sufferings” for ordinary Nigerians. According to the opposition, the so-called “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience, and Shared Prosperity,” recently presented to the National Assembly, glosses over the ongoing economic struggles that the majority of citizens continue to face.

In an official statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party contended that despite the government’s repeated claims of stabilizing the economy, poverty levels are rising, and millions of Nigerians continue to experience severe hardship.

“More than 30.9% of Nigerians live below the international extreme poverty line,” the PDP statement highlighted, referencing the 2025 World Bank Poverty & Equity Brief.

The opposition party also challenged the 3.98% economic growth rate touted by President Tinubu, insisting that the growth does not translate into tangible improvements in the day-to-day lives of citizens.

“While the President celebrates a 3.98% growth rate, ordinary Nigerians still endure extreme hunger, rising living costs, and other indicators of widespread economic distress,” the PDP added in the release.

The party further warned that presenting such a budget as a pathway to prosperity could mislead citizens and fail to address the pressing issues of inflation, unemployment, and inadequate social services. PDP’s critique underlines a growing sentiment among Nigerians who feel disconnected from the benefits of the country’s reported economic growth.

As debates continue over the contents and implications of the 2026 budget, analysts note that bridging the gap between economic indicators and citizens’ real-life experiences remains a critical challenge for the government.