The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of ignoring worsening poverty and hardship faced by Nigerians under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The accusation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the party, its earlier remarks about rising poverty levels in the country were based on available data and the everyday experiences of citizens.
“The ADC takes note of the ruling party’s response to our earlier statement on the rising poverty figures under the Bola Tinubu-led government,” the statement said.
The party accused the APC of avoiding the issues raised and instead attacking opposition parties.
“But instead of addressing the clear evidence that more Nigerians are falling into poverty under this government, the ruling party has chosen to attack the opposition and dismiss the lived realities of millions of citizens. Facts, however, cannot be dismissed by press statements,” the party stated.
The ADC said independent reports indicate that Nigeria’s poverty rate has increased since the removal of petrol subsidy.
According to the party, the country’s poverty rate has risen to about 63 percent from around 50 percent before the subsidy removal.
The opposition party also cited survey data suggesting that a majority of Nigerians believe the country is moving in the wrong direction.
It claimed that many citizens have described the national economy as poor and their personal living conditions as difficult.
The ADC further rejected the APC’s claim that the hardship experienced by Nigerians is temporary, arguing that economic data shows worsening living conditions.
The party cited survey findings indicating that many Nigerians had gone without adequate food, medical care, cooking fuel, clean water and cash income at various points during the past year.
It also criticised rising fuel prices, stating that petrol prices had increased significantly since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
According to the party, fuel prices have risen from about ₦255 per litre in 2023 to around ₦1,500 per litre in many parts of the country.
The ADC also raised concerns about the state of the agriculture and food sector, claiming that many rice mills in the country had shut down or were operating below capacity.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the party said Nigeria’s food import bill had increased significantly, rising from ₦3.83 trillion in 2023 to ₦7.65 trillion.
The ADC urged the government to focus on policies that improve the welfare of citizens rather than responding with political attacks.
“Nigerians do not expect economic lectures or political attacks on the opposition. They expect policies that make their lives better,” the statement added.
