The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Tinubu over recent remarks on the opposition, accusing his administration of being disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians.
In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, posted on his X account, the party said the President’s comments at the Presidential Villa reflected “anxiety” rather than confidence amid worsening economic and security conditions.
“What Nigerians saw was not the confidence of a leader in control. It was the anxiety of a President increasingly disconnected from the reality of hardship, insecurity and frustration facing millions of citizens,” the party said.
The ADC faulted the President for criticising opposition parties at a time many Nigerians are grappling with rising cost of living, food inflation and declining purchasing power.
“At a time when families are battling a historic cost of living crisis, the President chose to mock the opposition instead of addressing the suffering of Nigerians,” it stated.
The party also raised concerns over insecurity, noting that disturbing reports, including abductions, continue to emerge across the country.
“This is the reality of today’s Nigeria — insecurity spreading deeper into everyday life while government appears distracted,” the statement added.
On the controversy surrounding its national convention, the ADC rejected claims that its gathering was improperly conducted.
“We did not hold our convention on the street. If that was the story supplied to the President, then he has been misinformed,” the party said.
It further alleged that the democratic space is shrinking, accusing the government of denying opposition parties access to public venues.
“No government before now had denied political parties fair access to public venues such as Eagle Square, which belongs to all Nigerians,” it said.
The party also accused the President of undermining the principle of separation of powers.
“President Bola Tinubu cannot be a President and a judge at the same time,” it said, adding that key institutions meant to serve as checks and balances appear weakened.
The ADC further criticised what it described as a shift in Tinubu’s posture toward supporters of former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it politically motivated.
“After years of distancing himself from the late President, it is hypocritical to suddenly make a U-turn because of the coming election,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the country’s core challenges remain unresolved.
“The issue before the country today is simple: hardship is rising, insecurity is worsening, debt is mounting, and hope is fading. No amount of political theatre can hide that truth,” it stated.
Despite the criticisms, the ADC said it remains focused on building a credible alternative anchored on competence, security and economic recovery.
“Nigerians deserve better than excuses, propaganda and power games,” the party added.