The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to focus on addressing Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges rather than concentrating on opposition figures.
The opposition party made the call in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, while reacting to recent political exchanges involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to the ADC, the ruling party has become increasingly preoccupied with Atiku instead of responding to concerns raised by Nigerians over rising poverty, insecurity and the high cost of living.
The party argued that the APC was attempting to divert public attention from the country’s socio-economic realities by engaging in political attacks rather than providing solutions to pressing national issues.
“We note how, rather than answer the Bishops’ concerns about worsening poverty, insecurity and the cost of living, the ruling party has chosen instead to attack the messengers,” the statement said.
The ADC maintained that Nigerians were more interested in explanations regarding inflation, unemployment, insecurity and declining living standards than political disagreements involving opposition leaders.
The party also defended Atiku’s performance during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stating that Nigeria experienced stronger economic growth, improved macroeconomic stability and greater investor confidence during that period.
According to the ADC, the focus of national discourse should be on governance outcomes and not on personal opinions expressed by political figures.
The party questioned why food prices and basic necessities continue to rise despite government claims of economic progress. It also raised concerns about insecurity across several parts of the country and the increasing burden of public debt.
The statement further argued that the 2027 general election should be determined by the performance of government and the experiences of ordinary Nigerians rather than by political personalities.
The ADC insisted that citizens deserve clear answers regarding economic hardship and security challenges and urged the federal government to address those concerns directly.
The APC has yet to issue an official response to the latest remarks by the opposition party.
