Your Fight Is Against Hardship-Stricken Nigerians — ADC Blasts Tinubu
By Gabriel Kekong
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be concerned about a potential defeat in 2027, arguing that he is effectively up against millions of Nigerians grappling with severe hardship under his administration.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday, April 17, 2026, the party was reacting to remarks by the President in which he said he was not afraid of the opposition, reportedly mocking them for holding their convention “on the street.”
The ADC described the President’s comments as unpresidential, stating that they reflect a leader more focused on politics than on the worsening economic and security conditions facing Nigerians.
According to the party, while citizens battle a rising cost of living, food inflation, increasing debt, and declining purchasing power, the President chose to ridicule the opposition instead of addressing urgent national challenges. It added that incidents of insecurity—including reports of abductions—underscore the gravity of the situation.
“The President should not be ridiculing the opposition. He should be deeply concerned that many Nigerians have lost confidence in his government due to policies that have negatively impacted livelihoods,” the statement said.
The party also rejected claims that its National Convention was held on the street, suggesting that the President may have been misinformed. It argued that even if opposition parties were compelled to hold events outside traditional venues, it would reflect shrinking democratic space under the current administration.
The ADC further criticised what it described as contradictions in the President’s stance on separation of powers, accusing him of acting simultaneously as a political actor and a commentator on judicial matters.
It also expressed concern over what it called the weakening of key democratic institutions, particularly the legislature, which it claimed has increasingly appeared aligned with the executive.
On recent political developments, the party faulted what it described as attempts by the President to court supporters of late President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it a reversal of earlier positions and politically motivated ahead of future elections.
“The reality facing Nigerians today is clear: hardship is rising, insecurity is worsening, debt is mounting, and hope is diminishing. Political rhetoric cannot mask these challenges,” the statement added.
The ADC maintained that it remains committed to offering what it described as a credible alternative focused on governance, security, economic recovery, and democratic values.
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