October 23, 2024: The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized an editorial published by The Punch on October 23, labeling it as “a disturbing affront to responsible journalism.” The APC accuses The Punch of disseminating misinformation and distortion to stoke public unrest against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. According to the APC, the editorial’s biased tone and misleading information aim to undermine the administration’s reform agenda in favor of vested interests.
The APC noted that the return to democracy in 1999 was a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, marking the end of military rule and ushering in an era of democratic progress and growth. Although the journey has faced challenges, the APC asserts that democracy is inherently imperfect and requires continual improvement.
In a statement, the APC expressed concern that an “exploitable, pseudopopulist, bandwagon media” could harm Nigeria’s democratic evolution. The editorial’s language, the APC argues, veers dangerously close to propaganda and sensationalism, sowing distrust in the government’s efforts at economic reform. Citing another example, the APC also denounced The Guardian newspaper’s recent editorial suggesting military intervention, calling it a “reckless” stance that threatens national security.
The APC emphasized that democracy, despite its flaws, remains the best system for addressing Nigeria’s challenges. The suggestion of military involvement, it argues, ignores the painful history of dictatorship in Nigeria, which inflicted economic and social turmoil, human rights abuses, and systemic corruption. The statement underscores that Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the “costly mistakes of history.”
In its critique, the APC claimed that The Punch’s editorial was a calculated effort to obstruct the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda, which includes the contentious removal of the petrol subsidy. The subsidy removal, according to the APC, is necessary to free up resources, reduce corruption, and support broader economic development. The APC contends that The Punch deliberately misrepresented this policy decision, failing to acknowledge global oil market dynamics and Nigeria’s fiscal realities.
“The Punch’s deep bias against President Tinubu’s administration follows a pattern of unrelenting antagonism that began during the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the APC stated. “Its editorial policy now represents a culture of negative sensationalism that tarnishes its 54 years of existence.”
The APC also urged The Punch to retract its editorial, emphasizing the need for responsible journalism rooted in fact-based analysis. The party warned that The Punch’s editorial approach only serves to “exploit the momentary difficulties Nigerians are facing” rather than contribute to constructive discourse.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the APC stressed its support for President Tinubu’s “valiant efforts to build a brighter future for all Nigerians” and called on the media to partner in the national development effort rather than impede it.
