ADC Spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi Delivers Scathing Critique of Tinubu Administration
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a forceful rebuttal to presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, reiterating his party's stance that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government have performed poorly and are disconnected from the daily struggles of Nigerians. In a detailed response, Abdullahi emphasized that the presidency's refusal to address substantive issues is both amusing and concerning, highlighting the administration's failure to tackle pressing economic and security challenges.
Economic Hardships Under Tinubu's Leadership
Abdullahi pointed to the severe economic realities facing Nigerians, arguing that inflation is not an abstract concept but a tangible crisis affecting millions. He described it as the mother who can no longer afford basic food items, the young worker whose stagnant salary is eroded by doubled transport fares, and the small business owner grappling with escalating costs. According to Abdullahi, these hardships are direct consequences of policies implemented by the Tinubu-led APC administration, particularly the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy without adequate cushioning measures for over 200 million citizens.
Since the subsidy removal, fuel prices have surged by nearly 500%, triggering a ripple effect that has driven up the cost of living across the board. Abdullahi criticized the government's inaction, noting that while other nations have taken emergency steps to mitigate fuel price hikes during global conflicts, the Tinubu administration has merely urged Nigerians to endure the pain. He proposed immediate measures, such as suspending the 5% fuel tax and eliminating import and regulatory charges, which could lower fuel costs and, in turn, reduce transport and food prices.
Security Failures and Lack of Accountability
On the security front, Abdullahi expressed deep concern, stating that Nigeria now ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index under Tinubu's presidency. He emphasized that beyond statistics, real people are suffering—families have lost loved ones, communities live in fear, and horrific incidents, such as sexual violence in front of family members, have become all too common. In a poignant example, he noted that at least 12 Nigerians were killed in Plateau State between the ADC's birthday message and Dare's rebuttal, underscoring the urgency needed in addressing insecurity.
Abdullahi questioned the government's increased defence spending, asking why Nigerians still feel unsafe in their homes, on roads, and on farms. He accused the administration of being harsher on citizens than on terrorists and bandits, who have sometimes been referred to as "sons" and "brothers" by officials. He stressed that Nigerians deserve to see firm action in protecting innocent lives, rather than empty explanations.
Government's Narrative Versus Lived Realities
The ADC spokesman criticized the presidency for attempting to convince Nigerians that conditions are improving, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. He argued that citizens are often infantilized, told they complain because they do not understand government policies, and lectured about the necessity of hardship as part of reform. Abdullahi asserted that what Nigerians truly want is accountability and tangible relief, not narratives that contradict their daily experiences.
He highlighted that the presidency's response did not deny the existence of hardship, insecurity, or rising living costs but instead shifted responsibility away from the government. Abdullahi condemned this approach, stating that a government that blames others, makes promises without results, and fails to align its actions with the people's reality cannot be trusted. He concluded by calling for a government that understands and acts to ease, not exacerbate, the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
