The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said President Bola Tinubu’s campaign for a second term in 2027 will not erase the economic hardship and poverty Nigerians have experienced under his administration.
The opposition party made its position known on Saturday through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, while reacting to the formation of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council.
The ADC said the 2027 general election would give Nigerians an opportunity to assess the President’s performance since he assumed office.
According to the party, voters would base their decisions on how government policies have affected their daily lives rather than on the number of political figures assembled for the President’s campaign.
The ADC also questioned the inclusion of some former government officials who have faced corruption allegations in the campaign council.
The party specifically mentioned former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu and former NSITF Chairman Ngozi Olejeme, asking the government to explain whether the corruption-related matters involving them had been resolved and how such decisions were reached.
The opposition party said the presence of individuals facing unresolved allegations could raise questions about the administration’s approach to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability in public office.
The ADC further alleged that some investigations into suspected financial misconduct had gone quiet without clear explanations, while individuals linked to such cases later returned to political prominence.
On the 2027 election, the party said Tinubu could bring together influential politicians and loyal supporters for his campaign, but their political activities would not remove the economic pressure being faced by Nigerians.
The ADC argued that the rising cost of living and widespread poverty would remain important issues during the election, saying Nigerians would remember how the administration’s policies affected their families and businesses.
The party also criticised what it described as the difference between the economic conditions of ordinary Nigerians and the lifestyle of people close to government.
The ADC said many citizens had been urged to endure the effects of economic reforms while some government-connected individuals continued to enjoy high levels of wealth.
The opposition party also renewed its backing for a proposal by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to introduce a targeted subsidy for fuel production as a way of reducing petrol prices and easing pressure on Nigerians.
According to the party, the proposed subsidy would have clear limits, be provided for in the national budget and undergo independent checks to ensure public funds were properly monitored.
The ADC said it was aware of criticism from supporters of the government who argue that Nigeria cannot afford to subsidise fuel.
However, the party maintained that the government should first account for its own spending and policies before rejecting measures aimed at reducing the burden on citizens.
The opposition party said any money allocated to the proposed subsidy should be properly tracked, while the volume of fuel covered by the programme should also be accounted for.
The ADC maintained that its proposal was aimed at helping Nigerians cope with high living costs while ensuring that the subsidy system did not become another channel for the misuse of public funds.
The party said the 2027 election would therefore be decided by the condition of the country and the experiences of voters, rather than by the strength or size of Tinubu’s campaign council.