APC: Opposition protests driven by loss of access to state resources
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday dismissed recent criticisms from opposition parties, accusing them of pursuing selfish interests rather than advocating for Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja after a meeting with Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said the opposition’s complaints stem from their alleged loss of access to state resources.
Bashiru was reacting to a recent opposition briefing in the Federal Capital Territory, where critics faulted the Federal Government’s policies. He claimed the opposition’s stance was driven by frustration over reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
“They are not crying for the average Nigerian or for national development,” Bashiru said. “They are crying because they have lost the privilege and opportunity to continue to plunder the resources of the Nigerian people.”
According to him, key fiscal and monetary reforms implemented over the past two and a half years have blocked financial leakages, strengthened public finances and improved macroeconomic indicators. He argued that the measures disrupted entrenched interests that previously benefited from subsidy regimes and systemic loopholes.
Bashiru described the opposition’s protests as “theatrics,” insisting they were rooted in diminished political leverage rather than genuine concern for citizens. He urged opposition leaders to reconnect with voters at the grassroots and seek electoral legitimacy.
On the reported defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the APC, Bashiru said the development aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of building a broad-based national platform.
He stated that the ruling party has expanded its presence across the geopolitical zones and has strengthened its foothold in the North-East with Fintiri’s addition.
