**Slams Weak Economic Policies Behind Palliative Distribution**
Former Jigawa State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mustapha Sule Lamido, has criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the current economic hardship in Nigeria could have been avoided had voters heeded PDP’s warnings during the 2023 elections.
Speaking at an empowerment program organized by the member representing Birninkudu/Buji Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakubu Adamu Danmaliki, on Saturday, Lamido commended the PDP lawmaker for his commitment to the people but questioned the economic model that necessitates such interventions.
He likened the situation to feeding a cow without allowing it to graze, warning that continued reliance on handouts weakens economic independence.
“With the current situation in Nigeria, people need empowerment programs, but this is not a sustainable solution. The economy is struggling, and making people dependent rather than productive is a dangerous path,” he remarked.
Lamido recalled his campaign warnings, stressing that PDP foresaw the consequences of another APC-led government. He accused the ruling party of lacking the vision and commitment required to build a prosperous Nigeria.
“We cautioned voters in 2023 that APC does not prioritize national development or the welfare of its citizens. Now, look at where we are—rising poverty, high unemployment, and a broken economy. The suffering we see today is exactly what we predicted,” Lamido asserted.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to learn from past mistakes and make informed choices in the 2027 elections. According to him, the country needs leaders who are credible, visionary, and committed to economic transformation.
“Since 2015, APC has been in charge. We saw what happened in 2019 and 2023. Now, the country is in crisis. The younger generation must wake up and chart a new course,” he said.
Lamido also criticized the government’s over-reliance on palliatives, arguing that such measures are short-term fixes that worsen economic instability.
“Palliatives are harmful to our economy. The government cannot keep diverting public funds to distribute relief items instead of investing in real economic growth. Importation-driven policies will not develop the country,” he warned.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, Lamido’s remarks highlight growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party and set the stage for renewed political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Hon. Yakubu Adamu Danmaliki had launched a major empowerment program aimed at supporting his constituents. The initiative focused on boosting economic activities, education, and agriculture within the community.
As part of the program, Danmaliki provided, 1,500 bags of rice to alleviate hunger 100 motorcycles to enhance mobility and economic opportunities, Sewing machines to support women in tailoring and small businesses,100 solar-powered irrigation machines to assist farmers during the dry season and ₦6 million in scholarship funding for 200 students.
In addition to these interventions, the lawmaker announced a total investment of ₦22 million in various community development initiatives.
Addressing attendees, Hon. Danmaliki expressed gratitude for the support from party leaders, dignitaries, and community members. He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible development projects, stating, “While I may speak less in meetings, I believe in taking action, and today’s event is a testament to that commitment.”
The event was attended by political leaders, stakeholders, and residents, who lauded the initiative as a significant step toward improving livelihoods in the constituency.