National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, criticised the Bola Tinubu administration’s economic direction, warning that recent fiscal decisions had led to catastrophic consequences for Nigerians.
He defended the ADC emergence as Nigeria’s leading opposition force, countering criticisms of division and lack of structure within the newly formed coalition.
In an interview with ARISE News, Abdullahi questioned the rationale behind the government’s simultaneous removal of fuel subsidies and devaluation of the naira, two decisions he said had worsened the cost of living crisis without adequate safety nets for Nigerians.
“Whatever this government is doing, regardless of intentions, is not working,” Abdullahi stated, adding, “The combination of subsidy removal and naira devaluation has been catastrophic. The ADC’s fundamental question is: how does a policy affect the livelihood and quality of life of Nigerians?”
He further criticised the National Assembly for acting as a rubber stamp to President Tinubu’s financial requests, noting that previous loans have shown little in terms of developmental outcomes.
The publicity secretary also took aim at the influence of international financial institutions on Nigeria’s policy direction.
“Who exactly is deciding the direction of the Nigerian economy? Is it those elected by Nigerians or global organisations like the IMF, who have no electoral mandate here?” he asked, referencing recent IMF critiques of Nigeria’s currency policies.
According to Abdullahi, the ADC formation weeks ago has already started to change Nigeria’s political dynamic by offering genuine opposition in a space where he claims the PDP and other parties have failed.
“Before the ADC, government could get away with anything. Other opposition parties had either abdicated their responsibilities or been compromised. We are building a party that’s not just about 2027, but about providing an enduring democratic alternative.”
He dismissed concerns about high-profile personalities within the ADC coalition vying for leadership, including Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Atiku Abubakar.
“Why is the APC worried on our behalf? We are focused on building democratic structures and will handle internal leadership questions transparently and democratically.”
Addressing questions about ADC’s lack of physical infrastructure compared to the established PDP and APC, Abdullahi argued that electoral strength now lies in grassroots mobilisation, not just brick-and-mortar offices.
“Structures are about people. One dedicated party agent at the polling unit can mobilise dozens more. That’s how Peter Obi performed strongly in 2023 without a traditional structure. We are building a political movement of Nigerians who are fed up.”
Funmi Ogundare
Follow us on:
