The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s newly announced N50,000 monthly cash relief program, labeling it a desperate election ploy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than a genuine effort to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
In a press statement released on Friday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the timing of the intervention is a direct reaction to the opposition party’s campaign promises to reduce the cost of living ahead of next year’s general election.
“President Tinubu is in full panic mode now,” Abdullahi said. “Since the ADC and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have made affordability and reducing the cost of living the cardinal focus of our campaign, the government has been announcing one desperate intervention or another.”
The ADC referenced a series of prior announcements by the administration—including a $1 billion “Renewed Hope Social Intervention Fund” in August, a 30-day fuel discount, and a N70,000 transportation allowance for workers—claiming these initiatives failed to materialize or provide tangible relief.
The party questioned the practical value of the relief sum in the current economic climate, citing the sevenfold increase in petrol prices and the rising costs of food, transportation, and pharmaceuticals.
“What exactly is N50,000 supposed to buy in Tinubu’s Nigeria today?” the statement queried. “It is just a desperate and cynical attempt to buy back the goodwill of the people. But it is too little, too late.”
The ADC further criticized the government’s handling of economic reforms, stating that the administration was warned about the consequences of its policies. The party accused the government of telling Nigerians to “endure” for three years, only to offer “election-season handouts” now.
Beyond the timing, the ADC raised concerns regarding transparency, referencing a recent report by the Auditor-General regarding unaccounted billions in previous cash transfer schemes.
“How can a government that has failed to explain what happened to its previous intervention funds expect Nigerians to trust it with another program involving billions of naira?” Abdullahi asked.
The party warned that the program could serve as a vehicle for diverting public funds for partisan purposes, describing the situation as either “dangerously incompetent” or “dangerously wicked.”
The ADC concluded by reiterating that the solution to Nigeria’s economic crisis lies in restoring purchasing power and reducing the costs of food, energy, and transportation, rather than temporary cash handouts.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
