ADC, APC differ on Tinubu’s democratic record in birthday messages

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have offered sharply contrasting assessments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratic record as he marks his 74th birthday.

In a statement posted on X, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the president’s leadership, citing worsening insecurity, rising fuel prices and economic hardship.

He said Nigerians could only hope for a shift in governance approach, adding that Tinubu was celebrating his “final year” in office.

“As you celebrate your final year in office, Nigerians can only offer a prayer that this next year brings a sudden and unfamiliar miracle: that you begin to take governance more seriously; that you finally see the loss of lives under your watch as a failure of leadership; and that you act with the weight and responsibility of leading the world’s most populous Black nation,” Abdullahi posted.

He said the president’s tenure has had far-reaching consequences, pointing to a sharp rise in fuel prices nearly 500 per cent, making transportation increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians.

The ADC Spokesman also raised concerns about insecurity, noting that Nigeria now ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, with thousands of lives lost, communities displaced, and families left grieving.

“Under your leadership, insecurity has not only persisted but evolved and expanded, sometimes accompanied by rhetoric that appears to blur accountability,” he said.

Abdullahi further criticised the administration’s economic record, saying the rising cost of living has eroded the “Renewed Hope” agenda and deepened hardship across the country.

He warned of a shrinking political space, expressing concern over what he described as a gradual drift towards a one-party state. “Birthdays are for reflection. We hope you reflect deeply, not just on your years, but on how you govern,” Abdullahi added.

However, the APC struck a markedly different tone, hailing Tinubu as a “veteran democrat, statesman, bridge-builder and patriot.”

In a separate statement, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Tinubu’s leadership has repositioned Nigeria and strengthened democratic governance.

“Under President Tinubu’s purposeful and visionary leadership, Nigeria is steadily claiming its place of pride among the great nations of the world,” Morka said.

He credited the administration with significant progress under its “Renewed Hope” agenda, including economic and institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and social investment programmes.

Morka also highlighted efforts in strengthening national security, youth empowerment, and welfare initiatives, adding that the APC has grown into the country’s largest political party in terms of reach and influence.

“We celebrate your resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.