ADC Firmly Denies Allegations of Inciting Nigerians, Raises Alarms Over Economic Hardship
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly refuted claims from the All Progressives Congress (APC) that it is inciting Nigerians against the government. In a detailed statement, the ADC highlighted severe economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu's administration, including a sharp rise in poverty and widespread shutdowns in the agricultural sector.
Rejection of Incitement Accusations and Focus on Data
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC dismissed the APC's defence of Tinubu's economic reforms as misleading. The party emphasized that its concerns are based on publicly available reports, not opposition rhetoric. According to the ADC, Nigeria's poverty rate has surged to 63%, up from approximately 50% before the removal of the petrol subsidy. This increase has pushed tens of millions more Nigerians into poverty, reflecting what the party describes as the human cost of failed policies.
The statement reads: "ADC takes note of the ruling APC's response to our earlier statement on the rising poverty figures under the Tinubu-led government. Instead of addressing the clear evidence that more Nigerians are falling into poverty under this government, the ruling party has chosen to attack the opposition and dismiss the lived realities of millions of citizens. Facts, however, cannot be dismissed by press statements."
Impact on Agriculture and Food Security
The ADC pointed to alarming trends in the food and agriculture sector as further evidence of policy failures. It reported that out of over 150 rice mills across Nigeria, nearly 90 have ceased operations, with the remaining mills operating at only 30% to 70% of their capacity. This decline is attributed to policies that encourage import dependency rather than supporting local production.
Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows Nigeria's food import bill has doubled from N3.83 trillion in 2023 to N7.65 trillion today, an increase of N3.82 trillion or about 100%. The ADC argued that this undermines domestic agriculture, putting thousands of farmers and processors out of business and weakening food security.
Fuel Price Increases and Subsidy Savings Questions
Bolaji Abdullahi also highlighted the dramatic rise in petrol prices since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. He claimed that prices have increased from about N255 per litre to around N1,500 per litre in many regions, leading to higher transportation and food costs. The ADC questioned the utilization of the reported N6.4 trillion savings from the fuel subsidy removal, asking why critical sectors like education and local contracting remain underfunded.
"Nigerians are therefore left to ask a simple question: if the subsidy savings are truly being redirected to critical sectors, where exactly is all the money going?" Abdullahi stated. "Why are local contractors not paid? Why are the universities still poorly equipped?"
Call for Accountability and Policy Reevaluation
The ADC concluded by asserting that economic reforms must be judged by their outcomes. With poverty rising, 93% of Nigerians believing the country is on the wrong path, and millions struggling to afford basic necessities, the party called for a fundamental reassessment of the administration's policies. It urged the government to address these issues transparently rather than attacking opposition voices.
