The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended its economic agenda ahead of the 2027 general election, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of failing to adequately address rising living costs, hunger and poverty in Nigeria.
Dr Uche Diala, spokesperson for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, made the remarks during a televised interview, where he defended the economic proposals of the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and dismissed allegations concerning the payment of salaries to party workers.
Uche argued that the country’s economic challenges should take precedence over political controversies, insisting that Nigerians were more concerned about the rising costs of food, healthcare, transportation and other essential commodities.
The ADC spokesperson described allegations that the party had failed to pay its workers as fabricated and politically motivated.
He said the party’s secretary had already responded to the claims, maintaining that ADC workers were receiving their salaries and remained committed to the organisation.
Uche Diala challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence, adding that the party would be willing to provide verifiable payroll records if formally requested by journalists.
He also questioned the priorities of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that greater attention should be paid to economic hardship, unpaid pensions, delayed salaries and the declining purchasing power of Nigerian households.
Uche identified the rising cost of living as one of the most important issues Nigerians should consider ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He said many households were struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, healthcare and infant formula.
According to him, the rising cost of essential goods has placed considerable pressure on parents and vulnerable families, with potential consequences for maternal nutrition and children’s welfare.
The ADC spokesperson criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, arguing that insufficient protection had been provided for citizens struggling with their financial consequences.
However, the interview did not provide independent economic data to substantiate the full extent of the effects he described.
The campaign spokesperson also criticised remarks attributed to Vice-President Kashim Shettima concerning Atiku’s educational background and his early career as a sanitary inspector.
Uche, who identified himself as a practising medical professional, argued that sanitation, environmental health and disease prevention are legitimate areas of public health practice and should not be used to disparage a person’s professional background.
He urged political parties to concentrate on policy proposals rather than personal attacks, maintaining that Nigerians deserved substantive discussions about the economy, employment and public welfare.
He also defended Atiku’s educational and professional experience, referring to his studie
A major focus of the interview was the ADC’s proposed production subsidy for crude oil supplied to domestic refineries.
Uchechiana explained that the proposal differs from the previous petroleum subsidy arrangement, which supported the cost of petroleum products consumed in Nigeria, including imported products.
Under the proposed model, the government would make crude oil available to eligible Nigerian refineries at a reduced cost to lower domestic refining expenses and potentially make petrol more affordable.
Using an agricultural analogy, he argued that Nigeria should maximise the benefits of its crude oil resources by processing more of its petroleum domestically rather than relying heavily on refined products produced elsewhere.
He stressed that the proposal would not involve giving crude oil to refineries free of charge. Instead, government support would reduce production costs while allowing refiners to operate commercially.
The spokesperson also called for a review of crude oil allocations, existing supply agreements and measures to increase domestic oil production.
During the interview, the journalist questioned how the proposed subsidy would be funded and sustained, particularly given concerns about crude oil availability and existing supply commitments.
The interviewer also raised questions about whether Nigeria could consistently supply enough crude oil to meet the requirements of domestic refineries.
In response, He argued that the country needed a comprehensive assessment of crude oil production, domestic refining requirements and existing supply arrangements.
He called for greater scrutiny of forward-sale agreements and other arrangements that could affect the volume of crude oil available for local refining.
He further maintained that Nigeria could increase production by addressing operational challenges and improving the management of the petroleum sector.
However, the spokesperson did not provide a detailed costing of the proposed subsidy, a specific discount rate for crude supplied to refineries or a comprehensive funding framework during the interview.
These issues remain important in determining whether the proposal could reduce petrol prices without placing excessive pressure on public finances.
Uchechiana also accused the Tinubu administration of failing to give sufficient consideration to advice from professionals and other stakeholders on economic management.
He cited electricity reforms and broader economic policies as examples of areas where, in his view, alternative recommendations had not received adequate attention.
The spokesperson disclosed that he had previously supported Tinubu but later became critical of the administration after what he described as an extended period of advising and evaluating its policies.
He said the opposition had a responsibility to present alternative economic proposals capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
The Tinubu administration, however, has defended its reforms as necessary measures to restructure the economy. The debate between the government and opposition parties centres on the immediate effects of the policies, their long-term benefits and the distribution of their costs.
Asked whether Atiku would seek the presidency again in 2031 if he failed to win the 2027 election, Uche declined to speculate on the former vice-president’s future political decisions.
He praised Atiku’s determination to pursue the presidency and said the candidate would accept the outcome of a fair election if he lost.
Nevertheless, Uche expressed confidence that Atiku would win the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as the candidate’s support among Nigerians.
He maintained that the campaign’s immediate priority was to secure victory in 2027 and implement policies intended to improve citizens’ living conditions.
The ADC’s position reflects its effort to make economic affordability, domestic refining and household welfare central issues in the build-up to the 2027 general election.
While the party argues that its proposed production subsidy could reduce the cost of domestically refined petroleum products, questions remain about crude oil availability, funding, implementation and how any savings would be passed on to consumers.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of competing economic proposals will be measured by their impact on food prices, transportation costs, employment, healthcare and household incomes.
As the 2027 election approaches, Nigerians will be watching how political parties translate their economic promises into practical and sustainable policies.
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