The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday strongly criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing in its primary responsibility to secure the lives and welfare of Nigerians.

Speaking at a World Press Conference, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, painted a grim picture of the nation’s security and economic conditions, describing Nigeria as a country “In troubled waters.”

Aiyenigba lamented the rising wave of violence across the country, citing recent attacks in Plateau State, Maiduguri, and Kaduna, as well as the killing of innocent citizens at social gatherings.

He said the situation has created fear and uncertainty among Nigerians, with many families now setting aside money for ransom payments.

The SDP spokesperson argued that the federal government has failed to meet its constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, noting that insecurity, economic hardship, and poor infrastructure have worsened under the current administration.

He also raised concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, alleging that the government has borrowed heavily without corresponding development. According to him, the lack of visible infrastructure and improvements in public services raises serious questions about the use of borrowed funds.

The party called for full transparency in the management of loans and recovered looted funds, demanding that the government disclose how much has been borrowed, how the funds have been spent, and the impact on national development.

Aiyenigba further expressed fears that recently approved loans could be diverted for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that governance appears to have taken a back seat to political manoeuvring.

Positioning the SDP as a credible alternative, he said a growing movement of Nigerians dissatisfied with the ruling party is rallying around the opposition, adding that the party is preparing to challenge the status quo in the next election cycle.

He concluded by urging the government to embrace accountability and transparency, stressing that Nigerians deserve to know how public funds are being utilised, especially in a time of economic hardship and insecurity.