The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused President Bola Tinubu of going into panic mode ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 31, the party described the Federal Government's proposed N50,000 monthly cash relief as an election gimmick. The statement was signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the ADC, the announcement was driven by Tinubu's desperation to regain public support following its promise to reduce the cost of living and make life more affordable for Nigerians if elected in 2027. The party argued that the timing of the proposed intervention raised questions about the government's intentions. The ADC insisted that it was a reaction to the opposition's campaign promises rather than a genuine effort to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
The ADC spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said President Tinubu is in full panic mode now. He recalled previous government announcements, including the $1 billion Renewed Hope Social Intervention Fund in August, a 30-day fuel discount, cheaper transportation promised across states from October 1, and a N70,000 transportation allowance for workers. Abdullahi stated that most of the announced interventions had failed to produce tangible results.
The party questioned the value of the proposed payment amid rising prices of food, transportation, petrol, and essential medicines. The ADC stated that the amount was insufficient to address the economic difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians, describing the proposed intervention as "too little, too late." The party also accused the Tinubu administration of mismanaging its economic reforms and ignoring warnings about the hardship they would impose on Nigerians.
The ADC maintained that the government should have incorporated financial relief for vulnerable citizens into its economic reform plans from the beginning rather than introducing cash payments close to an election. The party raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of government intervention funds, warning that the latest programme could provide another opportunity for the diversion of public resources.
The opposition party cited findings by the Auditor-General concerning billions of naira in previous cash transfers that were allegedly not properly accounted for. The ADC challenged the Federal Government to explain what happened to the previous intervention funds and disclose whether those responsible would be held accountable. The party demanded that the government provide clarity on the management of its intervention funds to avoid another misappropriation.
Key points
- The ADC accuses President Tinubu of panic ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The proposed N50,000 monthly cash relief is described as an election gimmick.
- The party raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of government intervention funds.
