The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside following the backlash over his administration’s controversial list of pardoned offenders.

The party condemned what it described as a “disorganised and inconsistent” policy process that undermines public trust in the government.

PDP Criticizes Presidential Policy Reversals

Speaking on behalf of the party, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Osadolor, said the handling of the pardon list reflects systemic confusion within the ranks of the presidency.

“It is as though, one moment a decision is made in the morning, another is reversed in the afternoon, and by evening, the same decision is reviewed again. This back and forth is unacceptable,” Osadolor said.

He further argued that these policy inconsistencies “turn the lives of ordinary Nigerians upside down” and are evidence of misplaced priorities within the government.

Misplaced Loyalty and Justice Concerns

Osadolor lamented that while the government should focus on prosecuting hardened criminals, it appears instead to be protecting or rehabilitating them.

“Meanwhile, millions of soldiers who lost their lives defending Nigeria, and those who fought during the civil war, as well as nationalists and patriots such as environmentalist and humanitarian activists like Ken Saro-Wiwa, remain unrecognised and uncelebrated. Yet, known gunrunners, drug peddlers, murderers, and assassins are being pardoned or having their convictions reduced,” he added.

The PDP official stressed that the pardons risk undermining national integrity and cohesion, and may reflect a regionalised approach to governance rather than a focus on the nation as a whole.

Call for Presidential Accountability

In a pointed call to action, Osadolor urged President Tinubu to step aside if he cannot manage the country’s affairs effectively:

“Nigeria is too great a country to be subjected to this kind of endless experimentation with the lives, emotions, and livelihoods of its people. It is neither a crime nor a shame to step aside. Even if he completes only one term, he will still be respected globally as a former President of Nigeria,” he stated.

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Osadolor concluded by urging Tinubu to consider the welfare of Nigerians over political or personal interests:

“If he truly means well for Nigerians, this is the time to step aside honourably. Let him not wait for Nigerians to vote him out of power, because by then, he may not even be in full control of the process.”