The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s announcement of a $1 billion social protection programme, describing it as a panic response to Atiku Abubakar’s proposal for targeted production subsidies ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of impoverishing millions of Nigerians through failed economic policies and now attempting to “buy them back” with hurried palliatives.
The ADC questioned the source of the $1 billion and why the government allegedly waited three years to respond to widespread hardship.
“For three years, Nigerians have cried under the weight of food prices, transport costs and collapsing purchasing power, while this government insisted there was no money,” the party said. “Now that elections are approaching, it has suddenly found $1 billion for the poor.”
The party also demanded clarification on the role of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in launching the programme, asking whether the initiative was a Federal Government project or a personal undertaking.
Concerns Over Accountability
The ADC raised issues about accountability, citing allegations that ₦600 billion had been disbursed in cash transfers to 10 million households over three years. It asked for evidence of beneficiaries, measurable impact, and independent verification of the figures.
The party alleged that corruption and the absence of a robust social register had undermined previous programmes, and questioned what would be done differently under the new initiative.
The ADC described the proposed ₦40,000 “shock‑response payment” to families as potentially a vote‑buying scheme ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This makes one wonder if this is not indeed a vote‑buying programme,” the statement read.
The party further asked which public institution would account for the funds and respond to oversight bodies such as the Auditor‑General and the National Assembly.
While supporting genuine efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians, the ADC argued that palliatives cannot replace policies that restore purchasing power and boost production.
“If the Tinubu administration has suddenly discovered that Nigerians need protection from the cost of its failed reforms, then perhaps the first thing it should do is admit that Atiku was right: reform without relief is not courage; it is cruelty,” the party said.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
