APC Dismisses ADC as Credible Opposition, Defends Tinubu's Record
In a sharp political exchange, the All Progressives Congress has rejected claims by the African Democratic Congress that it represents a viable alternative for Nigerians, while simultaneously defending the economic and infrastructural achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
ADC Positions Itself as Alternative Amid Economic Hardship
Former Minister of State for Health and ADC chieftain Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo has framed his party as a credible alternative for Nigerians facing what he described as escalating economic hardship, persistent insecurity, and political stagnation. Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, Nwankwo challenged Nigerians to ask themselves whether they are better off today than before 2023.
"If the answer is no," Nwankwo insisted, "we are telling them that we have an alternative now that can change things. The ADC is the alternative to change the narrative."
The ADC chieftain pointed to several indicators of what he called governance shortcomings under the current administration:
- Escalating costs of essential commodities
- Deteriorating public services
- Persistent security threats across multiple regions
Specific Economic Concerns Raised
Nwankwo provided concrete examples of the rising cost of living, attributing these pressures to structural weaknesses and ineffective policy implementation:
- Diabetic drugs that previously sold for 2,500 naira now cost 15,000 naira
- Asthma inhalers that were 9,000 naira now priced at 13,000 naira
- Fuel selling at 1,400 naira per litre
"These economic pressures disproportionately affect average Nigerian households," Nwankwo argued, warning that without adequate social safety nets, the trend could undermine human development and long-term national stability.
Security Challenges Highlighted
On security matters, Nwankwo highlighted ongoing threats from terrorism, insurgency, and lawlessness, particularly noting that several local governments in Borno State remain under terrorist control. He linked these challenges to what he described as poor policy execution, corruption, and insufficient political will.
The ADC chieftain advocated for an integrated approach to national security under what he envisioned would be an ADC-led administration, saying the party aims to secure not just the presidency but also legislative and gubernatorial positions to enable coherent policy implementation across federal and state levels.
APC Fires Back with Strong Rebuttal
In a swift response, Chief Chijioke Agwu, media aide to the Ebonyi State APC Chairman, dismissed the ADC's claims entirely. Agwu asserted that Nigeria under President Tinubu has witnessed tremendous infrastructural and economic development, urging Nigerians to stick with the APC in forthcoming elections.
"Though we emphasize the need for a credible opposition party," Agwu stated, "it is definitely not the ADC. They are a gathering of failed politicians who have held political positions in the past and yet they failed the people."
Agwu posed a pointed question to the ADC's leadership: "All those politicians in the ADC have held political positions—some were governors, senators, ministers, and even vice president. What significant change did they do during their time?"
Confidence in Current Governance
The APC spokesperson expressed confidence that Nigerians have become wiser and cannot be fooled by what he characterized as empty political rhetoric. "The transformation going on throughout the country shows an indication of good governance," Agwu claimed, "and I am sure that Nigerians will make the best decision."
He specifically highlighted Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Nwifuru's administration as demonstrating capacity, competence, and judicious utilization of funds in providing needed infrastructural development. Agwu expressed certainty that the people would replicate their support for such governance in the 2027 general election.
The exchange highlights the intensifying political positioning as Nigeria approaches another election cycle, with opposition parties seeking to capitalize on economic challenges while the ruling party defends its record and questions the credibility of its challengers.
