- The ADC said that the APC’s second-term push for Tinubu disregards electoral law and worsens hardship for Nigerians already battling inflation.
- The party lamented inflation surge, naira crash, and petrol price hike, saying millions now struggle with basic living costs.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for launching early re-election campaigns for President Bola Tinubu despite widespread hardship.
This was contained in a statement issued by the national publicity secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday.
The party said Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, inflation, and economic decline while the ruling party focuses on mounting billboards and staging rallies.
According to the ADC, the APC has gone into campaign mode two years ahead of the 2027 polls, disregarding both the law and the plight of citizens.
“For months now, the APC has been holding rallies and putting up billboards across the country, calling for President Tinubu’s second term,” the statement read.
“From Abuja to Port Harcourt, Minna, Kano, and Akure, these staged endorsements ignore the Electoral Act and the recent warning from INEC, which clearly states that public campaigning is illegal until 150 days before the election.”
The ADC said the conduct of the ruling party demonstrates disregard for Nigeria’s electoral laws and shows more concern for political power than governance.
Abdullahi noted that while the APC is busy chanting ‘four more years’ for Tinubu, the cost of living has become unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“Inflation has gone through the roof, with food, transport, and rent costing about 60 percent more than they did when Tinubu took office,” the party said.
“The naira has crashed from around N461 to over N1,500 per dollar, wiping out people’s savings and crippling small businesses. Petrol, which used to sell for N185 before subsidy removal, now costs more than N1,000 per litre, making everyday life a struggle for millions.”
The party said Nigeria is drowning in debt, leaving little funds for critical services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“According to the World Bank, the country now spends more on paying back loans than it earns in revenue,” the ADC added.
It lamented that despite this, the government continues to borrow heavily while revenue collection remains weak compared to other African countries.
On insecurity, the ADC described the situation as a “national nightmare”, citing widespread killings and abductions.
“Between April and June alone, 122 security personnel and 1,865 civilians were killed across the country. More than 3,100 security-related deaths were recorded during that period,” it said.
The party recalled that over 50 people were kidnapped last Friday in Sabon Gari Dirmi, Zamfara State.
“Nigerians are being abducted like it’s a daily business. But instead of addressing this crisis, the President is busy chasing endorsements for a second term,” the ADC said.
“Rather than deploying more security personnel, the government has filled the streets with campaign billboards.”
It also faulted the handling of the power sector, stressing that the national grid has collapsed multiple times this year.
The ADC accused the APC of failing to deliver on its promise of steady electricity supply while Nigerians remain hungry, sick, and insecure.
It further alleged that the government has been more committed to propaganda than real governance.
The party called on the APC to dismantle its illegal campaign structures and comply with the law.
“Until the lawful campaign window opens, every political billboard is a billboard of illegality and should be taken down,” it declared.