The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Federal Government's N50,000 monthly cash transfer programme for vulnerable Nigerians, describing it as an election gimmick driven by President Bola Tinubu's desperation to regain public support. The party accused the administration of using the intervention to respond to its campaign promise to reduce the cost of living and make life more affordable for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the timing of the announcement, arguing that the government had failed to address the economic hardship caused by its policies. Abdullahi said the Tinubu administration had announced several interventions in response to the opposition party's focus on affordability but had failed to deliver on previous promises.
The ADC further accused the administration of using the intervention to respond to its campaign promise to reduce the cost of living and make life more affordable for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election. The party questioned the purchasing power of the proposed N50,000 monthly stipend, arguing that the amount would provide little relief to households struggling with rising food, transportation and healthcare costs.
According to the ADC, the N50,000 monthly stipend would not make a significant impact on households struggling with rising costs. The party argued that petrol prices had risen roughly sevenfold, and food and transportation costs had followed, making the stipend insufficient. The ADC described the move as a desperate and cynical attempt to buy back the goodwill of the people.
The opposition party accused the Tinubu administration of mismanaging its economic reforms, insisting that the government had ignored repeated warnings about the hardship its policies would impose on Nigerians. The ADC argued that the cash transfer should have been incorporated into the government's economic reform plans from the beginning rather than introduced as an election-season intervention.
The ADC also raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the implementation of government intervention programmes, warning that the new initiative could provide another opportunity for the diversion of public funds. The party cited findings by the Auditor-General concerning previous cash transfer programmes, questioning whether those responsible for the alleged financial irregularities had been held accountable.
The Federal Government had earlier announced the commencement of a N50,000 monthly cash relief programme for vulnerable Nigerians under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to provide immediate financial assistance to beneficiaries to help them meet essential needs and cope with the rising cost of living.
Key points
- The ADC party criticizes the programme as an election gimmick.
- The programme provides N50,000 monthly cash relief to vulnerable Nigerians.
- The ADC raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the programme's implementation.
