Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The African Democratic Congress has criticised the All Progressives Congress over alleged cash and gift distributions at political events, accusing the ruling party of attempting to buy public support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party also faulted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allegedly repeating unfulfilled campaign pledges from 2023 in its newly unveiled 2027–2031 manifesto.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council made the allegations in two separate statements issued by its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan.
In its first statement, the council accused APC supporters and political groups of distributing money, food and other gifts at political gatherings to create an impression of widespread support for Tinubu.
It cited reports of luxury vehicles allegedly given to APC women leaders, cash and cooked food reportedly distributed through the City Boy Movement by the President’s son, as well as videos purportedly showing an APC women leader sharing money and fabrics at a gathering.
The ADC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate the reported incidents and determine whether any electoral or currency laws had been violated.
It questioned why ordinary Nigerians had faced enforcement action over alleged abuse of the naira while similar concerns surrounding cash distributions at political events appeared to receive different treatment.
The council argued that political support should not be secured through financial inducements, warning that money and material gifts must not be used to influence voters or undermine credible elections.
It further accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address rising poverty, insecurity and public debt, arguing that political handouts could not compensate for the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
On the APC manifesto, the ADC described the document as a repetition of promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.
It listed affordable food, stable electricity, a stronger naira, employment opportunities for young people and improved security among the commitments it said the President had yet to fulfil.
According to the opposition council, Nigerians have instead experienced rising food prices, currency depreciation, insecurity and worsening economic hardship since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The ADC also questioned the government’s management of public finances, demanding explanations on how funds generated through the removal of petrol subsidy, tax policies and increased borrowing had been used to improve infrastructure and citizens’ living conditions.
It maintained that the administration’s economic reforms had placed considerable pressure on ordinary Nigerians without providing adequate social protection or corresponding relief.
The council also questioned the government’s borrowing strategy and called for greater transparency over the utilisation of loans and the country’s growing debt obligations.
It further referred to comments reportedly made by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, concerning the challenges associated with the administration’s economic reforms, saying they reinforced its criticism of the government’s policies.
The ADC argued that unveiling a new manifesto at a political event in Jigawa State could not replace measurable achievements in governance.
It urged Nigerians to reject the APC’s proposals and support the ADC, which it presented as an alternative focused on economic stability, security, accountability and improved living conditions.
The opposition party said the 2027 general election would give voters an opportunity to assess the Tinubu administration’s performance, particularly on the economy, security, employment and public welfare.
Leave a Reply