‘Panic Reaction to Atiku’s Plan’ — ADC Mocks FG’s $1bn Social Fund

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Federal Government's announcement of a $1 billion social protection fund as an opportunistic reaction to Atiku Abubakar's plan to reduce subsidy and lower living costs if elected. The ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of impoverishing Nigerians through "failed economic policies," and then attempting to compensate them with a hastily devised aid program in the months leading up to the election.

The ADC questioned the sudden availability of the funds, alleging that the government had ignored the suffering of Nigerians for three years while raising prices on essential goods such as food, transport, and energy. The opposition party pointed out that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, played a role in launching the programme, raising questions about her involvement and the source of the money.

ADC argued that the government's admission that Nigerians now require protection from economic shocks associated with its failed reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, confirms that Atiku Abubakar's proposal was correct. They emphasized that the administration's failure to address economic challenges has left seven out of ten Nigerians struggling to feed themselves and many businesses in ruins.

The ADC highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the funding of the $1 billion programme, questioning the approval process, the responsible public institution, and the accountability measures in place. They demanded answers regarding the disbursement and oversight of these funds, emphasizing that public money requires strict transparency and oversight.

ADC accused the government of using the social intervention program as a manipulative tactic to gain public support ahead of the elections, rather than a genuine effort to address the nation's economic woes. They emphasized that the $40,000 per family "shock-response payment" seems more like a vote-buying scheme than a genuine attempt to alleviate poverty.