May 29: ADC, SDP presidential candidates knock Tinubu over ‘mounting’ economic, security challenges

The African Democratic Congress and the Social Democratic Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, have criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government, saying Nigerians continue to face severe economic and security challenges three years into his administration.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed public confidence in the government has dropped significantly. The party referenced a survey reportedly conducted by Eagle Badger Data Analytics, which suggested that many citizens are dissatisfied with the administration’s performance.

According to the ADC, the reported approval rating of about 30 per cent indicates growing frustration over inflation, insecurity, unemployment and declining living conditions.

“Roughly seven out of every 10 Nigerians are either dissatisfied, unconvinced, or unwilling to endorse the direction in which the country is being led. That is not a political challenge. That is a national rejection,” the party stated.

The opposition party argued that rising food prices, transportation costs and business difficulties have increased pressure on households, insisting that citizens are more concerned about their daily realities than government statistics.

“Nigerians do not eat statistics. They eat food. They pay rent, school fees and transport fares. On all these measures, life has become significantly harder,” the statement added.

The ADC also linked persistent insecurity to economic struggles, noting that attacks by bandits and kidnappers continue to affect farming activities and rural communities.

Adebayo, in a separate reaction, said Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs such as feeding, education and healthcare due to the state of the economy.

“Many are working very hard but the economy of the government of the day makes them look lazy because when they go home, the children will ask: why is there no food? Why was I sent out of school with no school fees paid?” he said.

He maintained that policies such as fuel subsidy removal have contributed to higher living expenses and warned about threats to democratic competition.

“There is a danger of one-man rule,” he said.

Adebayo also disclosed that the SDP plans to field candidates for elective positions nationwide in the 2027 elections, while urging Nigerians to support leaders committed to transparency, development and democratic principles.

Afenifere chieftain Oba Oladipo Oladotun likewise expressed concern over worsening hardship and insecurity, calling for urgent reforms in critical sectors and the protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.

Reacting to the criticism, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka declined to comment, saying, “I don’t respond to such statements.”