By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for prematurely launching re-election campaigns for President Bola Tinubu, while millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with soaring inflation, insecurity, and worsening hardship.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the APC of flouting electoral laws by beginning campaign activities two years ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party pointed to rallies and billboards endorsing Tinubu’s second term appearing across cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Minna, Kano, and Akure as illegal and insensitive.
“For months now, the APC has been holding rallies and putting up billboards calling for President Tinubu’s second term, ignoring the Electoral Act and recent warnings from INEC that public campaigning is banned until 150 days before the election,” the ADC stated.
The opposition party further lambasted the ruling party for prioritising political ambitions over addressing Nigeria’s economic and security crises. According to the ADC, inflation has soared by nearly 60 percent since Tinubu assumed office, pushing up food, transport, and housing costs. The naira has plummeted from about ₦461 to over ₦1,500 per dollar, wiping out savings and crippling small businesses. Meanwhile, fuel prices have surged past ₦1,000 per litre following subsidy removals.
Nigeria’s debt burden is deepening, with the World Bank reporting the country now spends more on debt repayments than it earns in revenue. Despite this, the government continues to borrow, while revenue collection lags behind other African nations.
On insecurity, the ADC described the situation as dire. Between April and June alone, over 3,100 security-related deaths were recorded, including 122 security personnel and 1,865 civilians. Kidnappings remain rampant, with over 50 people abducted recently in Zamfara State. Yet, the ADC claims the government has prioritized campaign billboards over deploying security forces.
The party also criticised the collapsing power grid and accused the APC of failing to deliver reliable electricity, leaving Nigerians hungry, sick, and fearful. The ADC called on the APC to dismantle its illegal campaign machinery and respect Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“Until the lawful campaign window opens, every political billboard is a billboard of illegality and should be taken down,” the party said.
