The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reflect deeply on his leadership as he marks his 74th birthday, highlighting what it described as major governance shortcomings.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, pointed to economic hardship and worsening insecurity as key concerns under the current administration.
“Under your watch, fuel prices have risen by nearly 500%, turning basic transportation into a daily calculation of survival,” he said.
“Under your leadership, Nigeria has climbed to 4th on the Global Terrorism Index, while thousands of lives have been lost to violence, families shattered, and communities displaced,” Abdullahi added.
The ADC spokesman also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, arguing that official rhetoric sometimes weakens accountability.
“Under your presidency, insecurity has not just persisted, it has adapted, expanded, and, at times, been met with language that blurs accountability, where those who terrorize Nigerians are referred to as ‘sons’ and ‘brothers,’ even as their victims bury loved ones,” he said.
He further raised concerns about rising living costs and what the party described as a shrinking democratic space.
“Under your leadership, the economic strain on Nigerians has deepened, the cost of living has surged, and the ‘Renewed Hope’ that you promised has turned to hopelessness for millions of Nigerian families.
“And under your watch, the political space is narrowing, raising real concerns about the steady drift toward a one-party state, in a democracy that was fought for with blood, sweat and tears,” Abdullahi added.
Despite the criticism, he noted that birthdays offer a moment for introspection.
“As you celebrate your final year in office, Nigerians can only offer a prayer that this next year brings a sudden and unfamiliar miracle: that you begin to take governance more seriously, see the loss of lives as a failure of leadership, and act with the weight and responsibility of leading the world’s most populous Black nation,” he said.
The ADC concluded by wishing the president “good health, improved judgment, and a sense of responsibility to the people you govern.”
The remarks come amid ongoing national debates over economic reforms, fuel pricing, and security challenges. Reports indicate that petrol prices have surged from about ₦200–₦255 per litre at the start of Tinubu’s administration to over ₦1,000 in many parts of the country as of late March, driven by subsidy removal and global pressures linked to the Middle East crisis.
Additionally, data from the 2025 Global Terrorism Index placed Nigeria fourth globally, with 750 deaths recorded in 2025, representing a 46 percent increase from the previous year.
Despite these concerns, the federal government has consistently maintained that economic conditions are improving and that efforts are ongoing to strengthen national security.
Earlier, Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his commitment to the country in a birthday message, expressing optimism about the outcomes of his administration’s reforms.
“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms. I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see some glittering light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me, our Renewed Hope team, and our government. We achieved the gains together,” he said.
What you should know
The criticism from the African Democratic Congress reflects mounting political pressure on Bola Ahmed Tinubu as economic hardship and insecurity dominate public discourse.
With rising fuel prices, inflation, and security concerns, opposition parties are intensifying scrutiny ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the federal government maintains that reforms are beginning to yield results, setting the stage for continued political debate over the administration’s performance and direction.
