2027 Election: ADC Challenges Tinubu Over Rising Hunger, Poverty, Demands Accountability for Economic Hardship
2027 Election: ADC Challenges Tinubu Over Rising Hunger, Poverty, Demands Accountability for Economic Hardship
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, declaring that Nigerians deserve measurable improvements in their living conditions rather than political explanations for the country’s worsening economic hardship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party accused the President of failing to appreciate the difficulties confronting ordinary citizens, particularly the rising cost of food, transportation, energy and other essential commodities. It maintained that the administration must accept responsibility for its economic policies instead of attributing the country’s hunger and poverty crisis to political opponents.
Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, made the allegations during an interview on Arise News, where he questioned Tinubu’s understanding of the economic realities facing millions of Nigerians. Shaibu argued that after more than three years in office, the President should be explaining the achievements of his administration rather than blaming opposition parties for the hardship experienced across the country.
The controversy followed remarks attributed to Tinubu during his re-election campaign flag-off in Kaduna, where he accused previous political actors of creating the hunger and poverty his administration was attempting to eradicate. However, the ADC rejected the explanation, insisting that Nigerians would judge the government by the affordability of basic necessities, household purchasing power and the effectiveness of its economic interventions.
Shaibu challenged the President to compare the cost of living when he assumed office on May 29, 2023, with the prevailing economic situation. According to him, the impact of petrol subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms and other government policies should be assessed through their consequences for families, workers, traders and businesses rather than through political declarations.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) joined the criticism, urging Tinubu to demonstrate greater commitment to addressing insecurity, hunger and poverty. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organisation argued that the Kaduna campaign rally should have provided an opportunity for the President to outline practical solutions to the country’s pressing security and economic challenges.
HURIWA expressed concern over persistent terrorist attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes in several parts of Nigeria, including Borno, Kwara and Niger states. The association challenged the Federal Government to provide clear strategies for dismantling criminal networks, rescuing abducted citizens and strengthening intelligence operations to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.
The rights organisation maintained that the success of any administration should be measured by the protection of lives, restoration of public confidence and improvement in citizens’ welfare. It warned that political campaigns would offer little reassurance to Nigerians unless accompanied by concrete measures to address insecurity and reduce the financial pressure on households.
The Tinubu administration has consistently defended its economic reforms as necessary steps towards correcting longstanding structural weaknesses, improving government revenue, attracting investment and building a more sustainable economy. The President has also acknowledged the difficulties associated with the reforms while expressing confidence that their long-term benefits will translate into improved living standards.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the growing confrontation between the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) highlights the central role economic hardship and national security are expected to play in the contest. With opposition parties demanding accountability and the government defending its reform agenda, Nigerians will ultimately assess competing political claims against their everyday experiences and expectations for better governance.