Even on a day typically reserved for goodwill, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) delivered a pointed message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, using his birthday to level strong criticisms of his administration’s handling of Nigeria’s economy and security.
In a statement that broke from conventional political birthday tributes, the party said Tinubu’s leadership has become “impossible to ignore,” pointing to what it described as worsening living conditions and escalating insecurity across the country.
Taking to his X handle, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Nigerians are reflecting on a presidency marked by hardship and rising national anxiety.
“Happy Birthday, Mr President,” he wrote. “As you mark another year, Nigerians reflect on a presidency whose impact is now impossible to ignore.”
Abdullahi alleged that fuel prices have surged by nearly 500 percent under Tinubu, describing the situation as one that has turned everyday movement into a struggle for survival.
“Under your watch, fuel prices have risen by nearly 500%, turning basic transportation into a daily calculation of survival,” he stated.
He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s security situation, claiming the country’s position on the Global Terrorism Index has worsened.
“Under your leadership, Nigeria has climbed to 4th on the global terrorism index, while thousands of lives have been lost to violence, families shattered, and communities displaced,” the statement read.
Abdullahi further alleged that insecurity has not only persisted but evolved, becoming more widespread and difficult to contain.
“Every hour, a Nigerian is killed by insurgents,” he claimed, adding that the government’s approach has, at times, raised questions about accountability and tone in addressing violent actors.
On the economic front, the ADC said the cost of living has surged sharply, deepening hardship for millions of Nigerians.
“Under your leadership, the economic strain on Nigerians has deepened… the ‘Renewed Hope’ that you promised has turned to hopelessness for millions of Nigerian families,” he said.
The party also warned of shrinking democratic space, suggesting that Nigeria risks drifting toward a less competitive political system.
“Under your watch, the political space is narrowing,” Abdullahi noted, raising concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
Despite the criticism, the message ended with a cautious tone of reflection, with Abdullahi urging the President to reassess his leadership approach.
“Birthdays are for reflection,” he said. “Nigerians can only hope that this next year brings a shift—one marked by more decisive action, accountability, and responsiveness to the realities facing citizens.”
He concluded with a mix of irony and expectation:
“Wishing you good health, improved judgment, and a sense of responsibility to the people you govern.”
ADC Fires Birthday Rebuke at Tinubu, Cites Rising Hardship, Insecurity
