Cost of Living to Influence January Election Outcome - ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the increasing cost of living in Nigeria, largely caused by rising petrol prices and other economic pressures, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the January 16 elections. This assertion was made in reaction to the recent United States midterm elections, where the ruling Republican Party suffered a defeat. The ADC urged Nigerians to take a cue from American voters by holding the government accountable for economic policies affecting their livelihoods.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement highlighting that the US election outcome reinforced the party's stance that affordability would be central to Nigeria's electoral choices in January. The party noted that while American voters experienced a 37% increase in fuel prices in some states, Nigerians have faced a significantly higher increase, with average petrol prices rising from N238.11 per litre in May 2023 to N1,596.25 by May 2026, a 570% increase.

According to the ADC, this 570% increase in petrol prices has had far-reaching impacts on daily life, including transportation, food prices, household expenses, and small business operations. The party argued that the increase has compounded the cost-of-living crisis, forcing households and businesses to contend with higher transportation and operating costs. The ADC alleged that every Nigerian household is paying the price for the APC and President Bola Tinubu's failed policies.

The opposition party also criticized the Federal Government for repeatedly asking Nigerians to endure present economic hardship in anticipation of future benefits from the removal of fuel subsidy. The ADC argued that more than three years after the policy was implemented, many Nigerians have yet to experience the promised relief, while essential goods and services prices continue to rise.

The ADC stated that the January 16 election should serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to demand clear and practical answers from political parties on how they intend to make fuel, electricity, food, and transportation more affordable. The party urged voters to critically assess the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and its economic policies before deciding who to support in the January election.

Meanwhile, former National Youth Leader of the ADC, Maurice Oru Ebam, warned that excluding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential ballot could trigger widespread protests and unrest across the country. Ebam stressed that Nigerians must be given the opportunity to freely choose their leaders through a credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral process.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Olalekan Festus Ojo, commented on the ruling that has threatened the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar, stating that the judgment may shape Nigerians' perception of whether the courts, not voters, will decide the 2027 general elections. Ojo maintained that the ruling against the ADC leadership is a serious judgment with far-reaching consequences, putting all ADC nominees and candidates in jeopardy.

Key points

• The African Democratic Congress says the rising cost of living will influence voters' decisions in Nigeria's January 16 elections.
• The party urged voters to hold the government accountable for economic policies affecting their livelihoods.
• Excluding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential ballot could trigger widespread protests and unrest.