By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised comments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissing opposition parties, insisting that the opposition remains better positioned to move Nigeria forward amid worsening economic and security challenges.
The reaction followed remarks by Tinubu during his acceptance speech as presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where he reportedly stated that opposition leaders lacked the vision to advance the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the President’s comments as ironic given the current state of the economy and insecurity in the country.
The party accused the administration of presiding over rising inflation, worsening poverty, food insecurity, and declining purchasing power among Nigerians.
“It is both ironic and tragic that a government under whose watch nearly 35 million Nigerians are now projected to face acute food insecurity in 2026 would accuse the opposition of lacking ideas or vision,” the statement said.
The ADC argued that millions of Nigerians are experiencing economic hardship, with businesses struggling under difficult conditions while insecurity continues to affect farming communities and livelihoods.
According to the party, opposition groups should not be blamed for current economic challenges, including inflation, the weakening of the naira, and insecurity.
“The opposition did not create the hunger in the land. The opposition did not destroy the value of the naira. The opposition did not create the insecurity that has turned farming communities into killing fields,” the statement added.
The party maintained that Nigerians were increasingly concerned about the affordability of food, rising poverty, insecurity, and the economic outlook under the current administration.
The ADC also questioned the reported outcome of the APC presidential primary, in which President Tinubu was said to have secured 10.99 million votes, describing the figure as questionable and warning against any attempts to undermine the credibility of future elections.
The opposition party alleged that such figures could be used to condition public expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The ADC finds it bizarre that President Tinubu was announced to have secured 10.99 million votes in the APC presidential primary,” the statement said.
The party asserted that Nigerians need a competent and compassionate leader, capable of addressing economic and governance challenges facing the country.
