The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Bola Tinubu over criticisms of his campaign promises, saying he never set a specific timeline for eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
The party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, stated this during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday while responding to questions about Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promises to tackle poverty and hunger, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Morka argued that campaign promises on long-term development objectives should be assessed as ongoing efforts rather than targets expected to be achieved within a few years.
“When a president or anybody who is campaigning for office gives, you know, campaign speeches and sets objectives, they are liable to progressive realisation. They are not an event,” Morka said.
He maintained that Tinubu had not promised to eliminate poverty within a specified period after assuming office.
“The president never told you that in the first month or 100 days of my government or in the first two years or three years, I’m going to eradicate poverty.
“You didn’t say that in what you just read out. So, you know, let’s frame this in proper perspective,” he said.
The APC spokesman also cited the constitutional provision permitting elected presidents to seek a second four-year term, arguing that the arrangement allows them to continue implementing their policies and reforms.
“There’s a reason the Constitution gave every elected president the possibility of a re-election. Four years in the first instance and a possibility if the citizens, the electorate, decide to re-elect that president to serve another four years. There’s a reason for that,” he said.
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According to Morka, a president’s first term provides an opportunity to understand the country’s challenges and establish a policy direction, while a second term allows the administration to build on its initial efforts.
Asked when Nigerians should expect Tinubu to fulfil his campaign promises, including the creation of one million jobs in the digital economy, Morka questioned the demand for a specific timeline.
“I am surprised you’re asking me to give you a timeline.
“You were the one who came to say this president has not met or fulfilled the promises he made. You’re the one who said the time was too short,” he said.
He added that Tinubu was seeking another four-year term to complete the work of his administration.
“At the end of eight years, you can, you can come here and have this conversation,” Morka said.
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