ADC Says Nigeria Off Track Under APC as Hardship Deepens

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of steering Nigeria in the wrong direction, citing worsening economic hardship, lack of empathy for citizens, and an apparent decline in the country’s voice on the international stage. The ADC said prevailing realities across the country contradict repeated assurances by government officials that the economy is improving.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television and monitored by Opitanglomedia News. According to him, Nigerians are facing unprecedented hardship, while the government continues to deny the scale and severity of the challenges confronting the majority of the population.

Rising Hardship and Allegations of Government Insensitivity

Mr Abdullahi said available economic and social indicators consistently show that Nigeria is not moving in the right direction, contrary to official narratives. He argued that the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians, including rising costs of living and widespread economic pressure, paint a grim picture that cannot be ignored.

He criticised the Federal Government for what he described as a persistent campaign-style approach to governance, despite being in office for three years. According to him, government officials continue to make promises and appeal for patience as though they are not already responsible for managing the country’s affairs.

The ADC spokesman further accused the administration of lacking sensitivity to the plight of citizens. He expressed concern over what he described as the President’s frequent foreign travels, particularly during periods of domestic crisis, contrasting this with the approach of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said remained present in the country during challenging times.

ADC Faults Nigeria’s Silence on Venezuela Crisis

Beyond domestic concerns, the ADC also criticised the Federal Government for failing to articulate an official position on recent political developments in Venezuela. Mr Abdullahi described Nigeria’s silence as embarrassing and inconsistent with its historical role as a leading voice in Africa and the West African sub-region.

He said the unfolding situation in Venezuela represents a defining moment in international politics with far-reaching implications for the global order. According to him, Nigeria’s absence from global conversations on the matter signals a decline in its diplomatic relevance and moral authority.

Recalling Nigeria’s past diplomatic stature, Mr Abdullahi referenced prominent figures such as Jaja Wachuku and Joseph Garba, noting that previous administrations took firm and principled positions on major international issues. He added that while several West African countries had openly declared their stances on the Venezuela crisis, Nigeria had remained conspicuously silent.

ADC Questions Direction of Nigeria Foreign Policy and National Confidence

The ADC chieftain also questioned the President’s silence on the issue and criticised the State House for announcing foreign trips without sufficient clarity on Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities. He argued that such actions further weaken public confidence in the country’s foreign policy direction.

Linking the issue to security decisions, Mr Abdullahi referenced Nigeria’s reported invitation to United States forces to conduct military operations in the country in December 2025. He suggested that such actions may have contributed to Nigeria’s current diplomatic vulnerability.

According to him, the government’s reluctance to speak out reflects a lack of self-confidence and moral courage. He warned that Nigeria’s diminishing presence on the international stage is not only an anomaly but also unbefitting of a country that should ordinarily play a leadership role on the African continent.