War of Words Between PDP and APC Continues Ahead of Nigerian Elections

Strategic Insights -

The war of words between Nigeria's ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated, with both parties trading accusations and counter-accusations in the midst of the country's highly anticipated elections. The PDP has described the APC's relentless attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan's economic policies as "sadistic and unfortunate," while the APC has vowed to continue its campaign against the PDP, accusing them of attempting to smear its leaders through propaganda.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP has accused the APC of being "anti-people" and of attempting to smear President Jonathan's economic policies, which include initiatives such as the Treasury Single Account and the Automated Aviation Revenue Project.
  • The APC has responded by accusing the PDP of attempting to distract from the country's economic challenges and of resorting to propaganda to win public support.
  • The APC has also announced plans to launch a massive media campaign to counter the PDP's efforts, with General Muhammadu Buhari, the party's presidential candidate, expected to return to the country for the final lap of the campaign.
  • The PDP has also accused the APC of attempting to malign its leaders through documentaries and other forms of propaganda, while the APC has dismissed allegations that it bribed Chatham House in London to book a speaking slot for Buhari.
  • The APC has also condemned the PDP's accusations as a reflection of the ruling party's desperation and confusion, accusing them of assuming that everyone else, including institutions such as Chatham House, is corrupt.

Statistics:

  • The PDP has accused the APC of making over 50 false allegations against President Jonathan's economic policies in the last few days.
  • The APC has claimed that it has spent over N5 billion on its media campaign leading up to the elections.
  • The US Congress has warned the Nigerian government against another postponement of the elections, citing the significance of the polls and the potential consequences of delay.
  • The Boko Haram terrorist group has been responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • This Day, "War of Words Between PDP and APC Continues", 4 March 2015
  • AllAfrica.com, "US Congress Warns Nigeria against Polls' Shift", 4 March 2015
  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), "US House Committee on Foreign Affairs Warns Nigeria against Another Postponement of General Elections", 4 March 2015