“All they have is condolence messages and empty threats to bandits and criminals” – ADC slams Tinubu Administration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a scathing assessment of the state of the nation, declaring that democracy has failed to improve the lives of Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s government. In an open letter released by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi to mark Democracy Day, the party argued that the true metric of democratic success is not the longevity of the system, but its tangible impact on citizens. The opposition party challenged Nigerians to reflect on their current reality, stating, “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 asserted that the answer from the populace is a “resounding no.”
The ADC leveled harsh criticisms against the APC-led government, accusing it of presiding over a catastrophic rise in insecurity and an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis. Regarding security, the party highlighted the brazen nature of criminal elements, noting, “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 opposition argued that the government’s failure to protect its citizens has fostered an environment where “Government is getting weaker; criminals are getting stronger.” Furthermore, the party decried the economic hardship facing millions, noting that skyrocketing prices for essential goods have left workers and small businesses struggling to survive while forcing parents to make impossible choices regarding their families’ basic needs.
Addressing the plight of the nation’s youth, the ADC lamented that many are left without meaningful employment, leading them to abandon any hope of a future within the country’s borders. The party attributed these crises to a direct manifestation of the ruling party’s incompetence, indifference, and misguided policies, rather than unavoidable circumstances. According to the ADC, the administration offers nothing but propaganda and empty rhetoric in response to the suffering of the masses. The party stated, “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.”
To address these challenges, the ADC presented an alternative vision for national governance, advocating for security strategies that are intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based. The party insisted that the success of security spending should be measured by outcomes—such as whether a farmer can return safely to his land—rather than by the size of budgetary allocations. Regarding the economy, the opposition pledged to prioritize policies that lower the cost of energy, provide support for small businesses, and boost agricultural productivity to combat food insecurity.
Concluding its assessment, the party emphasized that the most profound way to honor the sacrifices made during the June 12 democratic struggle is through honest reflection and a renewed commitment to effective governance. The ADC stressed that government performance should be judged by results rather than speeches or headlines. The party stated, “We believe that government should once again be judged by results. Not by headlines. Not by speeches. Not by excuses. But by whether Nigerians are safer. Whether Nigerians are more prosperous. And whether Nigerians can once again believe that their country is moving in the right direction.”
