The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has articulated its primary agenda of ousting President Bola Tinubu as an essential prerequisite to restoring Nigeria’s stability amid what it describes as an unprecedented governance crisis. In a recent interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi stated that the focus is solely on removing Tinubu from power, underscoring that without this action, the country’s prospects for recovery are bleak.
Abdullahi accused the current administration of fostering a culture of governance likened to “banditry,” where the mindset is characterized by a grab-and-run mentality. This characterization reflects his concerns about what he perceives as a lack of integrity and ethical governance under Tinubu’s leadership.
The ADC spokesperson further highlighted concerns over legislative manipulation, particularly regarding allegations that recent tax laws had been forged after being officially passed by the National Assembly. He questioned the legality and implications of a government that can alter formally enacted legislation, emphasizing the dangers posed to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
A controversial point raised during the interview was the government’s reported expenditure of $9 million to foreign lobbyists in the United States. Abdullahi scrutinized the transparency and legality surrounding the contract, questioning how such a significant sum was awarded and the source of the funds. He argued that this money could have been far better invested in internal security measures to address pressing safety issues faced by everyday Nigerians.
“The government shows a troubling preference for managing its image abroad while neglecting the dire realities of security and safety at home,” Abdullahi stated. He argued that redirecting this money towards improving internal security would yield tangible results rather than investing it in merely appearances to foreign leaders.
Additionally, Abdullahi expressed alarm over a recently signed medical memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and the United States, which reportedly grants the US substantial oversight of Nigerian funds. He raised concerns about the lack of public access to the MOU’s specifics, deeming its terms “shocking” and questioning the implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and financial accountability.
The ADC has positioned itself as a vocal critic of the current administration, advocating for a shift in governance that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian citizens and addresses pressing social issues over mere public relations strategies.
