The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that unseating President Bola Tinubu is the opposition’s primary objective ahead of the 2027 general election, describing it as the only path to rescuing Nigeria from what it termed a deepening governance crisis.
Speaking on Friday during Channels Television’s Politics Today, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC was unapologetic about its goal, insisting that the country could not be salvaged under the current administration.
“Our agenda is simple: Tinubu must go. There is no scenario in which he remains in power and Nigeria is saved, ” he said.
The former minister accused the Tinubu-led government of “hijacking” the country, arguing that its approach to governance reflected what he described as the logic of banditry rather than democratic leadership.
According to him, the language and conduct of those in power suggest a belief that the state can be seized and run without accountability.
Abdullahi also raised concerns over what he called unprecedented interference in legislative processes, particularly in relation to tax laws.
He alleged that the government had altered or forged legislation already passed by the National Assembly, describing such actions as dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.
“A government that can forge a law duly passed by parliament raises serious questions,” he said, warning of the long-term implications for constitutional order.
On foreign relations, the ADC spokesman criticised reports that the Federal Government paid about $9 million to lobbyists in the United States to improve Nigeria’s image.
While acknowledging that lobbying is not inherently wrong, he questioned the transparency and legality of the process.
“How was the contract awarded? Who authorised the payment? Which budget line funded it?” Abdullahi asked, adding that the money would have been better spent addressing insecurity at home.
He argued that investing such funds in internal security would yield tangible results, rather than trying to convince foreign leaders that Nigeria is safe while citizens continue to face violence daily.
Abdullahi further expressed alarm over a recently signed medical memorandum of understanding between Nigeria and the United States, claiming the agreement gives Washington significant influence over the use of funds despite Nigeria contributing more financially.
He said details of the agreement had not been made public, raising concerns about sovereignty and accountability.
Overall, the ADC maintained that the Tinubu administration prioritises international image over the welfare and safety of Nigerians, a posture the party says it is determined to challenge politically.
Meanwhile, ADC has criticised state governors, saying the sharp increase in federal allocations under President Tinubu’s administration has not translated into better living conditions for Nigerians.
Abdullahi said governors now receive more funds than at any other time in Nigeria’s history but have little to show for it in terms of improved welfare for citizens.
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy has significantly boosted state revenues, yet the impact of the additional resources is not being felt at the grassroots.
“The president himself has said he has given more money to governors than any other president.
The question is: how has that reflected in the lives of people in the states?”
Abdullahi asked, stressing that while not all governors had performed poorly, the overall outcome remained disappointing.
President Tinubu removed fuel subsidy shortly after assuming office in May 2023, a move that led to higher fuel prices but was justified as necessary to free up funds for infrastructure and development.
Since then, governors have repeatedly acknowledged that their monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have increased.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently confirmed that states now receive more money, urging fellow governors to utilise the funds transparently for the benefit of citizens.
Earlier, President Tinubu had told APC governors that allocations to states had tripled, a claim later backed by Minister of Finance Wale Edun, who said total allocations to the 36 states rose from N3.8 trillion to N7.1 trillion under the current administration.
Despite these figures, the ADC insisted that the increased revenue was yet to result in meaningful improvements in infrastructure, social services or overall quality of life across the states.
