The African Democratic Congress has criticised the Presidency for dismissing concerns over the worsening economic situation in the country, insisting that the hardship faced by Nigerians is a consequence of poor governance and flawed policy decisions.
The opposition party’s reaction followed comments made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during an appearance on Arise TV on Tuesday. While defending the administration’s economic reforms, Onanuga stated that he did not observe the level of hunger many Nigerians were reporting. He said he often asked his domestic staff how they were coping with current conditions and pointed to the government’s decision to raise the national minimum wage by more than 100 per cent.
Responding on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the presidential aide’s remarks reflected a troubling disconnect between the government and the realities confronting citizens across the country. He maintained that the economic challenges being experienced by millions of Nigerians stem from what he described as poorly conceived and badly implemented policies of the Tinubu administration.
According to Abdullahi, despite years of assurances and repeated calls for patience from government officials, many Nigerians are now worse off than when the administration assumed office. He argued that widespread financial hardship has become the everyday reality of ordinary citizens struggling to meet basic needs.
Abdullahi stated: “Mr Bayo Onanuga’s comments are not merely insensitive; they are a startling admission of how disconnected the APC government has become from the realities of the people it governs. When over 80% of Nigerians are struggling to feed their families, pay school fees, afford transportation and keep their businesses alive, it is extraordinary that a senior presidential spokesman can publicly suggest that the hardship is somehow overstated or even contrived. The truth is that Nigerians are not faking their suffering.”
The ADC further contended that the success or failure of government policies should not be measured solely by projects or the experiences of a limited circle of associates. The party stressed that infrastructure development alone cannot address the immediate welfare concerns of citizens, insisting that “Nigerians cannot eat roads.”
The opposition party also urged the government to pay closer attention to the realities in markets, farms, workshops and communities across the country rather than remaining insulated from the struggles of ordinary people.
“The first responsibility of any government is to create economic conditions in which citizens can afford food, find jobs, run businesses and live with dignity. On this most fundamental test, the Tinubu administration has failed. The real question is whether this government is prepared to acknowledge the consequences of its policies and accept responsibility for its historic failures. Until it does, comments such as those made by Mr. Onanuga will only reinforce the growing perception that the APC government is out of touch with the people.”
