ADC to Tinubu: Brace for 2027 defeat, Nigerians will decide

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said President Bola Tinubu should be concerned about a major electoral defeat in 2027, insisting he will be contesting against millions of Nigerians grappling with severe economic hardship. The party was reacting to the President’s recent comment that he is unafraid of the opposition, whom he reportedly mocked for holding a convention “on the street”.

ADC national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the remarks in a statement yesterday as un-presidential. He argued that the comments reflect a leader more focused on politics than governance at a time of national distress.

Presidency accused of “disconnect” from reality “What Nigerians witnessed was not the confidence of a leader in control, but the anxiety of a President increasingly disconnected from the realities of hardship, insecurity, and frustration confronting citizens,” the statement said.

The party noted that while Nigerians battle a historic cost-of-living crisis, soaring food inflation, and mounting debt, the President chose to ridicule the opposition instead of addressing urgent national concerns. It added that recent reports of abductions, including incidents involving schoolchildren, underscore a worsening security situation across the country.

Access to public venues restricted The ADC also dismissed claims that its national convention was held on the street, describing the assertion as false and possibly based on misinformation. It argued that even if opposition parties were forced to use alternative venues, Nigerians would understand, alleging that access to public spaces has become increasingly restricted under the current administration.

“No government before now has denied political parties fair access to public venues such as Eagle Square, which belongs to all Nigerians, not any ruling party,” the statement added. The party maintained that citizens are determined to vote for change because policies have eroded livelihoods and worsened living conditions.

Concerns over weakened democratic institutions On governance, the ADC accused the President of overstepping constitutional boundaries, warning that he cannot simultaneously act as president, legal interpreter, and political referee. The party further alleged that key democratic institutions, particularly the legislature, have been weakened under the current leadership.

“The President should not be ridiculing the opposition. He should be concerned that many Nigerians have rejected policies that have worsened living conditions. These are the reasons he ought to be worried,” the statement concluded.