The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a sharp critique of Nigeria’s democratic journey on Democracy Day, asserting that 27 years after the return to civilian rule, the system has largely failed to improve the lives of ordinary citizens under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In an open letter signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party urged Nigerians to judge democracy not by the passage of time since military rule ended, but by its tangible impact on security, prosperity, and public trust.
The ADC posed direct questions to citizens: "Are you safer today than before? Are you more prosperous? Do you have greater confidence in government? According to the party, the clear answer is a resounding no.”
Worsening Insecurity
The opposition highlighted rampant insecurity as a major failure. It pointed to daily killings, mass kidnappings, and the growing boldness of bandits and criminals who negotiate ransoms openly.
“Government is getting weaker; criminals are getting stronger,” the statement said, adding that communities have been displaced, education disrupted, and fear has become widespread among citizens.
The party questioned whether anyone still believes the current administration can protect lives and property.
Economic Hardship and Cost-of-Living CrisisOn the economy, the ADC painted a grim picture of rising costs of food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and education.
It noted that workers’ incomes are losing value, small businesses are struggling, and families face painful trade-offs in meeting basic needs.
The party also expressed concern over the plight of Nigerian youth, many of whom lack meaningful employment and are increasingly emigrating in search of better opportunities.
Leadership and Policy FailuresThe ADC attributed these challenges to poor leadership and misguided policies by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It accused the government of offering only condolences and empty promises on security, alongside propaganda on economic issues, while remaining indifferent to human suffering.
The party insisted that Nigeria’s problems are not inevitable but result from incompetence and wrong-headed decisions.
ADC’s Alternative VisionPresenting itself as an alternative, the ADC called for intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based security approaches.
It advocated judging security success by outcomes such as whether farmers can safely return to their fields rather than budget sizes.
Economically, the party pledged to focus on lowering energy costs, supporting small businesses, protecting vulnerable citizens, and boosting agricultural productivity to reduce food prices. It also promised reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in institutions.
The ADC concluded that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the June 12 democratic struggle is through honest reflection and a renewed commitment to a democracy that genuinely delivers security, prosperity, and opportunity for all Nigerians.
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