Panic Reaction to Atiku’s Plan — ADC Mocks FG’s $1bn Social Fund

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has described the Federal Government’s announcement of a $1 billion social protection fund as a panic reaction to Atiku Abubakar’s plan to reverse subsidy policies and reduce the cost of living if elected in 2027.

The party made its position known in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

ADC questioned the timing of the Federal Government’s announcement, arguing that the intervention came after three years of economic hardship during which Nigerians faced rising food prices, transportation costs and declining purchasing power.

The party also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians through what it described as failed economic policies.

According to the ADC, the government was now attempting to regain public support through what it called a hurriedly designed palliative programme ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition party questioned where the government had suddenly obtained the funds for the $1 billion programme after repeatedly telling Nigerians to endure the hardship associated with its economic reforms.

ADC also raised questions about the role of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in the launch and implementation of the social protection initiative.

The party said it had taken note of the Federal Government’s announcement of the programme, which was unveiled by the First Lady, but described the sudden availability of funds and renewed concern for vulnerable Nigerians as remarkable.

ADC argued that Nigerians had spent the past three years struggling with the effects of rising living costs while the government maintained that there was limited funding to cushion the impact of its reforms.

The party linked the timing of the social protection fund to Atiku’s recent position on economic reforms and his pledge to reverse subsidy policies if elected president.

It said the proposed approach was aimed at reducing pressure on households and bringing down the cost of living.

ADC maintained that the government’s new social intervention should not be viewed as a substitute for policies capable of addressing the underlying economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

The party’s criticism comes as political parties begin intensifying their preparations and policy positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.