The African Democratic Congress and the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2027 general election, Adewole Adebayo, have criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of deepening economic hardship, insecurity, and public dissatisfaction across the country.
The ADC, in a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi said Nigerians had lost confidence in Tinubu’s administration.
According to the party, a nationwide survey by Eagle Badger Data Analytics confirmed that most Nigerians have lost confidence in the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Saturday PUNCH couldn’t independently verify the report of the reported survey.
The party said Tinubu’s reported 30 per cent approval rating after three years in office amounted to “a mark of total failure.”
It added that the figures reflect widespread public frustration over worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining living standards across the country.
“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 was reacting to findings from the EBDA survey which reportedly showed that only 30.2 per cent of Nigerians approve of President Tinubu’s performance, while 47.5 per cent disapprove.
The survey also indicated that a majority of Nigerians believe their living conditions have worsened since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The opposition party said the figures pointed to failures in economic management, job creation and security, adding that worsening inflation and rising food prices had made daily life increasingly difficult for citizens.
It also claimed that food prices have risen sharply since 2023, while transportation costs, unemployment, and business closures continue to strain households.
“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 further linked insecurity to economic decline, saying farmers were unable to safely access their farmlands while communities continued to suffer attacks from bandits and kidnappers.
It also argued that the administration could no longer blame previous governments for current challenges, insisting that responsibility now rests fully with the present leadership.
On his part, Adebayo accused Tinubu’s administration of worsening economic hardship in the country, saying Nigerians are struggling under rising living costs, unemployment and insecurity.
In a separate statement marking the administration’s third year in office, Adebayo said many families could no longer afford basic needs such as food, education and healthcare.
“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.
Adebayo said recent economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, had worsened hardship for citizens, increasing transport and living costs.
He warned that Nigeria’s democracy was also under strain, expressing concern over what he described as risks of weakening political competition.
“There is a danger of one-man rule,” he said, calling for stronger democratic institutions and a more vibrant opposition space.
The SDP candidate added that his party was preparing to contest elections across all levels in 2027, including governorships, senatorial and House of Representatives seats nationwide.
He urged Nigerians to support leadership that prioritises accountability and national development, stressing that the opposition must remain united in defending democratic values.
Also reacting, Afenifere chieftain, Oba Oladipo Oladotun, expressed concern over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, warning that many Nigerians were no longer safe in their communities and struggling to survive daily.
He called for urgent policy reforms focused on job creation, agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure, while urging protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
When contacted for a reaction, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka declined comments, saying “I don’t respond to such statements.”
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