The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, declaring that democracy has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians and urging urgent reforms to rescue the nation’s political system.
In an open Democracy Day message issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the real measure of democracy is not how long military rule has ended, but whether citizens are better off under civilian governance.
The party challenged Nigerians to reflect on the state of the country by asking whether they are safer, more prosperous, and more confident in government than in previous years.
“Twenty-seven years after the return to democratic rule, and three years into the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, we ask you these simple questions: Is your life better today than in the past? Do you feel safer today than you felt in the past? Do you trust the government more than before?” the party queried.
It answered its own questions bluntly, saying: “The answer is painfully clear: a resounding no.”
The ADC accused the APC-led government of worsening insecurity, deepening economic hardship, and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
According to the party, insecurity across the country has reached alarming proportions, with rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and criminal dominance in several regions.
“Every single day, Nigerians are killed in their dozens and kidnapped in their hundreds. Bandits and other criminal elements openly negotiate for ransoms and set the terms of co-existence,” it said.
The opposition party further argued that the primary responsibility of government—protecting lives and property—has been severely undermined.
“Government is getting weaker; criminals are getting stronger,” it declared.
On the economy, the ADC painted a grim picture, saying Nigerians are groaning under soaring inflation, rising transport costs, expensive healthcare, and increasing poverty.
It noted that workers’ incomes have been eroded, small businesses are struggling to survive, and households are forced into painful daily choices.
“Parents make impossible choices between feeding their families, paying school fees, and meeting basic household needs,” the party said.
The ADC also expressed concern over worsening youth unemployment, stating that many young Nigerians no longer see a future within the country.
“Our young people increasingly confront a future defined by uncertainty. Many cannot find meaningful employment. Many others no longer see a future for themselves within our borders,” it added.
The party blamed the situation on what it described as policy failures and poor leadership, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges are not inevitable but self-inflicted.
It accused the government of relying on rhetoric instead of practical solutions.
“This APC government has no solution to insecurity. All they have is condolence messages and empty threats to bandits and criminals,” the statement said.
Presenting its alternative vision, the ADC called for intelligence-led and technology-driven security reforms, as well as economic policies focused on reducing hardship and improving living standards.
It stressed that security spending should be measured by outcomes, not budget size, insisting that the real test is whether citizens are safer in their communities.
On the economy, the party advocated policies to reduce energy costs, support small businesses, protect low-income earners, and improve food production to ensure affordability.
The ADC also called for stronger transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms to rebuild public confidence in democracy.
“We believe that government should once again be judged by results—not by headlines, speeches, or excuses—but by whether Nigerians are safer, more prosperous, and hopeful,” it stated.
The party added that the best way to honour the sacrifices of June 12 is through honest reflection and a commitment to building a democracy that delivers tangible results for citizens.
