The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the occasion of his 74th birthday to reflect on his leadership, citing mounting economic hardship and persistent insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while the party extended prayers and goodwill to the president, it could not ignore what it described as the growing burden faced by Nigerians under the current administration.
Abdullahi pointed to the sharp rise in fuel prices since the removal of subsidy, noting that the cost of petrol has surged significantly, placing pressure on household incomes and transportation costs.
“Basic transportation has become a daily struggle for many Nigerians,” he said, adding that the broader economic environment has deepened hardship for families already grappling with inflation and reduced purchasing power.
The ADC spokesperson also raised concerns about the country’s security situation, referencing Nigeria’s position on the Global Terrorism Index and the increasing number of lives lost to violent attacks.
He argued that beyond the persistence of insecurity, the government’s response has, at times, failed to convey the urgency and accountability expected by citizens.
He further warned about what the party described as a shrinking political space, cautioning against any drift toward a one-party system in a country with a long history of democratic struggle.
Despite the criticisms, Abdullahi acknowledged that birthdays are moments for introspection, urging the president to approach the coming year with renewed seriousness and a stronger sense of responsibility to Nigerians.
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“As you mark this milestone, Nigerians hope for a shift that prioritises the protection of lives and the delivery of meaningful governance,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when public debate continues to intensify around economic reforms, particularly subsidy removal, as well as the broader impact of global factors such as the ongoing Middle East crisis on domestic fuel prices.
In his own birthday message shared via X, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and acknowledged the challenges faced since the implementation of key reforms.
He maintained that there are early signs of progress despite ongoing difficulties.
“We can see a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel,” the president said, attributing recent gains to the collective efforts of his administration and citizens.
As Nigeria navigates a complex mix of economic adjustments and security challenges, the exchange reflects the widening political discourse ahead of future electoral cycles, with opposition voices increasingly pressing for accountability while the government insists its policies are laying the groundwork for long-term stability.