ADC Accuses Tinubu Of Panic Response Over $1bn Social Protection Programme

ADC Accuses Tinubu of Panic Response Over $1bn Social Protection Programme The African Democratic Congress ADC has described the Federal Government’s $1 billion social protection programme as a panic reaction to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to introduce a targeted production subsidy to reduce the cost of living. The opposition party accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of worsening the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians through what it described as failed economic policies, before introducing the social protection programme ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the source of funding for the $1 billion programme and why the government had taken so long to introduce such an intervention despite years of rising food and transportation costs. The party also questioned the role of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in unveiling the programme. The ADC said the government’s decision to provide social protection for Nigerians affected by economic reforms appeared to validate Atiku’s argument that government policies should be designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship on citizens. According to the party, Atiku had proposed a targeted production subsidy aimed at bringing down the cost of living, but the government previously rejected the idea and maintained that subsidies were no longer sustainable. The opposition party argued that the Federal Government’s latest intervention suggested it had recognised the need to protect Nigerians from the effects of policies such as fuel subsidy removal. The ADC further questioned why the government had not deployed similar financial resources earlier to ease the hardship experienced by Nigerians. The party alleged that the timing of the $1 billion programme, with the 2027 elections approaching, raised questions about the government’s motivation and whether the initiative was intended to win back public support. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, are expected to attend the First Summit of Nigeria’s Opposition Political Parties in Abuja on August 31, 2026. The summit, convened by the G100, is expected to bring together leaders of six major opposition parties to discuss a framework for cooperation and coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections. The organisers said the meeting is not intended to immediately determine a presidential candidate but to establish a framework for transparent negotiations and possible cooperation among opposition parties. The development comes amid increasing political debate over the impact of fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and competing proposals for addressing the rising cost of living ahead of the 2027 elections.