ADC Says Democracy Has Failed Nigerians Under Tinubu, Citing Insecurity and Economic Hardship

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong critique of Nigeria’s democratic journey, arguing that the system has failed to deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In an open letter released to mark Democracy Day, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the true measure of democracy is not simply the number of years since military rule ended, but whether citizens are safer, more prosperous, and more confident in their government.

The opposition party challenged Nigerians to reflect on the state of the country by asking whether their lives have improved, whether they feel more secure, and whether trust in government has increased. According to the ADC, the answers to these questions point to deep dissatisfaction and a system that is failing to meet expectations.

The party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of presiding over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions. It argued that violence, kidnappings, and criminal activity have become more frequent across the country, leaving citizens increasingly vulnerable.

The ADC claimed that insecurity has reached alarming levels, with communities affected by repeated attacks and ransom-driven abductions. It further argued that the inability of the state to guarantee safety has disrupted education, displaced populations, and created widespread fear among citizens.

On governance, the party said insecurity reflects what it described as weak leadership and ineffective policy responses. It maintained that criminals have become emboldened while government institutions appear increasingly unable to contain them.

The opposition also painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s economy, highlighting rising inflation and the growing cost of living. According to the ADC, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, healthcare, housing, and education.

It noted that workers are facing declining purchasing power, small businesses are battling survival pressures, and parents are being forced into difficult choices to meet household demands. The party also expressed concern over youth unemployment, warning that many young Nigerians are losing hope in the country’s future and increasingly seeking opportunities abroad.

The ADC attributed these challenges to what it called poor leadership and policy failures, arguing that the country’s difficulties are not unavoidable but the result of governance decisions. It criticized the government’s approach to security and economic management, describing it as ineffective and overly reliant on rhetoric rather than practical solutions.

Presenting its alternative vision, the party called for a shift toward intelligence-driven, technology-supported, and community-based security strategies. It also urged economic reforms aimed at reducing hardship, supporting small businesses, lowering energy costs, and improving food security through stronger agricultural policies.

The ADC further emphasized that public spending on security should be measured by outcomes rather than budget allocations, insisting that success should be judged by whether citizens feel safe in their daily lives.

On governance, the party called for greater accountability, transparency, and performance-based leadership, arguing that Nigerians should evaluate government not by promises or speeches, but by real-life improvements in safety, welfare, and opportunity.

The statement concluded by urging Nigerians to reflect on the ideals of democracy and the sacrifices of the June 12 struggle, stressing the need for a system that delivers security, prosperity, and renewed national confidence.