Tinubu Faces Criticism for Honouring Indian PM Modi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday criticized President Bola Tinubu for conferring the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), during a bilateral meeting in Abuja.

The PDP described the gesture as a “misplaced priority,” with the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, questioning the rationale behind awarding such a prestigious honour. Osadolor argued that the focus should have been on leveraging India’s technological and economic expertise to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than symbolic gestures.

In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the President’s decision, stating that Tinubu acted within his authority and that the award reflects Nigeria’s appreciation of its partnership with India. APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, dismissed the PDP’s remarks as political theatrics, emphasizing that the opposition should focus on constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

During the bilateral talks, Modi expressed solidarity with Nigeria over recent floods and pledged 20 tonnes of relief materials. He also highlighted the potential for strengthened ties in sectors like defence, trade, energy, and education.

The event drew mixed reactions, with critics accusing the administration of prioritizing optics over substantive progress, while supporters highlighted the diplomatic significance of the gesture in fostering stronger bilateral relations.