ADC criticises Tinubu reforms, saying removal of petrol subsidy and policies have worsened poverty and living conditions across Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the policies have worsened living conditions and pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty.
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In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi rejected claims by the ruling party that the opposition was inciting citizens, citing independent reports and surveys showing a sharp increase in economic hardship since the removal of the petrol subsidy.
“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, takes note of the ruling party, APC’s response to our earlier statement on rising poverty figures. Instead of addressing clear evidence that more Nigerians are falling into poverty, the ruling party has attacked the opposition and dismissed the lived realities of millions of citizens,” Abdullahi said.
The party highlighted data indicating that Nigeria’s poverty rate has climbed to 63 per cent from roughly 50 per cent prior to subsidy removal, adding that fuel prices have surged by nearly 500 per cent, from N255 per litre in May 2023 to around N1,500 per litre in many areas.
ADC noted this spike has increased transport costs and driven food prices beyond the reach of ordinary households.
“Independent surveys show that 93 per cent of Nigerians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. Eighty-eight per cent describe the economy as bad, while 74 per cent report poor personal living conditions,” Abdullahi said.
ADC also challenged the APC’s claim that hardships are temporary, pointing to survey findings that 82 per cent of Nigerians reported going without enough food or medical care, 79 per cent lacked cooking fuel, 74 per cent lacked clean water, and 95 per cent had no cash income at some point during the year.
The opposition party questioned how the government is utilising the savings from fuel subsidy removal, estimated at N6.4 trillion in 2025, noting that only N36 million was reportedly released for federal healthcare capital projects.
“Nigerians are left to ask: if subsidy savings are truly redirected to critical sectors, where is the money going? Why are local contractors unpaid and universities still poorly equipped?” Abdullahi said.
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The dispute underscores growing tension over the real impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms, as ADC and other opposition voices continue to press for accountability and relief measures for ordinary Nigerians.
