Democracy Has Failed Nigerians, ADC Blasts Tinubu’s Government

The African Democratic Congress has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that democracy has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians despite 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.

In an open Democracy Day message issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party argued that the true measure of democracy should be reflected in the welfare, security, and prosperity of citizens rather than the number of years since military rule ended.

The party challenged Nigerians to evaluate the current state of the nation by considering whether they feel 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 statement said.

According to the ADC, the answer to those questions is a “resounding no,” accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of presiding over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

The party alleged that insecurity has continued to escalate across the country, with communities facing frequent attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes.

It argued that the inability of government to adequately protect citizens has disrupted education, displaced communities, and created widespread fear.

The ADC also criticised the economic situation, claiming that millions of Nigerians are struggling with rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare, housing, and education.

According to the party, workers are experiencing declining purchasing power while small businesses face increasing difficulty staying afloat.

The opposition further expressed concern about the growing number of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad due to unemployment and uncertainty about the future.

Presenting its alternative vision, the ADC advocated intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based security strategies, alongside economic policies focused on reducing hardship, supporting small businesses, lowering energy costs, and improving food production.

The party also pledged to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance, insisting that government performance should be judged by tangible results rather than promises, speeches, or budget figures.