Subsidy: TDF Knocks ADC Over Critique of Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
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Subsidy: TDF Knocks ADC Over Critique of Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Democratic Front (TDF) has faulted the assessment of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, describing the opposition party’s data as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group said the ADC’s position was “not reflective of the reality on the ground,” insisting that its analysis of the administration’s policies was fundamentally flawed.
TDF accused the ADC of misrepresenting a recent report by Agora Policy, noting that the opposition failed to acknowledge the “gloomy and vulnerable” state of the Nigerian economy that necessitated the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023.
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The group also alleged inconsistency in the ADC’s stance, recalling that its 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, and running mate, Ahmed Buhari, had campaigned on a promise to scrap the subsidy regime.
“It is unacceptable that the leaders of the party have elected to play the revisionist card on the removal of fuel subsidy, knowing fully well that nearly all political parties that contested the election made subsidy removal a top priority,” the statement read.
The TDF further described ADC’s demand for an account of savings from subsidy removal as “mischievous and myopic,” citing ongoing investments in infrastructure and social development across federal and state levels.
According to the group, prior to the subsidy removal, most states struggled to meet basic obligations, including payment of salaries and the national minimum wage, while grappling with mounting debts owed to contractors and local creditors.
The statement added that ADC’s portrayal of Nigeria’s poverty index was selective, arguing that the party focused only on the initial hardships without reflecting recent developments across key sectors.
TDF outlined what it described as improvements in agriculture, non-oil exports, solid minerals, industrial expansion, job creation, and health sector reforms, as well as increased disbursements from the federation account and social intervention programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.
It also criticised prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, alleging that they had previously opposed the fuel subsidy regime.
“Finally, we condemn the leaders of ADC for being insensitive by promoting false narratives about the removal of fuel subsidy,” the group stated, adding that many of the party’s leading figures had, in the past, advocated a private sector-driven economy that does not support petroleum subsidy.
