The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day broadcast, describing it as a speech filled with promises rather than explanations of his administration’s achievements.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party argued that the President’s address sounded more like a campaign message than a report from a government that has spent three years in office and whose party has governed Nigeria since 2015.
According to the ADC, Nigerians expected an honest assessment of the administration’s performance on issues such as insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and economic recovery instead of renewed assurances.
The party questioned why the same challenges highlighted when the All Progressives Congress (APC) came to power over a decade ago remain central themes in government speeches.
“After eleven years of APC leadership and three years under President Tinubu, Nigerians are still being asked to wait for the fulfilment of promises made years ago,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the historical significance of Democracy Day and the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, the ADC maintained that the occasion should have been used to account for the government’s stewardship rather than outline future intentions.
The party also criticised the administration’s handling of the economy, noting that many Nigerians continue to struggle with soaring food prices, rising transportation costs, and increasing operating expenses for businesses. It argued that citizens are facing one of the toughest cost-of-living crises in recent history and deserve practical solutions rather than policy projections.
According to the ADC, continuous appeals for patience amount to an admission that the expected results of government policies have yet to materialise. It further alleged that the administration is placing greater emphasis on managing public expectations than delivering tangible outcomes.
The opposition party also condemned the National Assembly for proceeding on recess during Democracy Day celebrations, arguing that lawmakers should have used the occasion to demonstrate their commitment to democratic accountability and oversight.