ADC Slams Tinubu Govt Over Insecurity, Hardship in Democracy Day Message

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying democracy has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians despite 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

In an open letter to Nigerians to mark Democracy Day, the party said the true measure of democracy lies not in the number of years since the end of military rule but in its impact on citizens’ welfare, security and prosperity.

The letter, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, challenged Nigerians to assess the current state of the nation by reflecting on their quality of life, safety and trust in government.

“Twenty-seven years after the return to democratic rule, and three years into the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, we ask you these simple questions: Is your life better today than in the past? Do you feel safer today than you felt in the past? Do you trust the government more than before?” the party asked.

According to the ADC, the answer to those questions is “a resounding no.”

The opposition party accused the APC-led government of overseeing worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

It claimed that violence, kidnappings and criminal activities have continued to spread across the country, leaving many citizens feeling unprotected.

“Every single day, Nigerians are killed in their dozens and kidnapped in their hundreds. Bandits and other criminal elements openly negotiate for ransoms and set the terms of co-existence,” the statement read.

“The most important job of a government is to protect the citizens. But is there any one of you today who believes that this government can protect anybody?”

The ADC argued that the government’s inability to guarantee security has displaced communities, disrupted education and deepened fear among citizens.

The party also painted a grim picture of the economy, saying millions of Nigerians are struggling with a severe cost-of-living crisis driven by rising prices of food, transportation, housing, healthcare and education.

“Workers watch their incomes lose value. Small businesses struggle to survive. Parents make impossible choices between feeding their families, paying school fees, and meeting basic household needs,” the statement added.

The party further expressed concern over the growing challenges facing young Nigerians, noting that many are unemployed while others are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad.

“Our young people, who should be the engine of national renewal and economic growth, increasingly confront a future defined by uncertainty. Many cannot find meaningful employment. Many others no longer see a future for themselves within our borders,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC maintained that the country’s challenges are the result of poor leadership and ineffective policies rather than unavoidable circumstances.

The party accused the government of asking Nigerians to endure hardship without offering practical solutions to insecurity and the rising cost of living.

“This APC government has no solution to insecurity. All they have is condolence messages and empty threats to bandits and criminals. They have no solution to the cost of living crisis that is taking away your dignity. All they have is propaganda and more promises of a better life in the future,” the statement said.

Presenting its alternative vision for the country, the ADC advocated intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-based security measures, while calling for economic policies focused on reducing hardship and improving citizens’ welfare.

The party said security spending should be judged by outcomes rather than budgetary allocations, stressing that citizens should be able to live and work without fear.

It also pledged policies aimed at lowering energy costs, supporting small businesses, protecting low-income earners and boosting food production to reduce food prices.

The ADC further promised reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in democratic institutions.

The party said government should be assessed by tangible results, including improved security, economic prosperity and renewed public confidence in the country’s future.

It added that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the June 12 democratic struggle is through honest reflection and a commitment to building a democracy that delivers security, opportunity and prosperity for all Nigerians.