ADC Accuses APC of Failing Nigerians as Ruling Party Blames Atiku for Past Economic Problems

Nigeria politics | October 15, 2026

Nigeria's economic direction has become the focus of a fresh political confrontation between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with both parties disputing who should bear responsibility for the country's economic difficulties.

In a report published by BusinessDay on October 15, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi criticised President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, arguing that the reforms had failed to deliver sufficient improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka rejected the criticism and countered that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's presidential candidate for 2027 according to the report, had contributed to Nigeria's longstanding economic problems during his time in government.

The exchange, which took place during an appearance on News Central's Breakfast Central, underscores how economic performance is becoming a central issue in the political debate ahead of the 2027 general election.

1. ADC Says Tinubu's Reforms Have Deepened Economic Hardship

Abdullahi argued that the administration's economic policies should be assessed by their impact on people's everyday lives rather than by official claims of progress.

He used a pothole-repair analogy to describe what he considers the outcome of the government's approach, arguing that attempts to fix existing problems had left the economy in a worse condition.

The ADC spokesman also challenged the administration to provide a clearer explanation of its Renewed Hope agenda, questioning whether its stated objectives had translated into tangible improvements for households.

His criticism reflects the opposition's broader argument that economic reforms must deliver measurable benefits, including more affordable food, better employment opportunities and improved purchasing power.

The dispute comes amid continuing debate over President Tinubu's removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange system. The government has defended these measures as necessary reforms, while critics have highlighted the increased financial pressure experienced by many households.

2. APC Blames Atiku's Record in Government

Morka countered the ADC's accusations by questioning Atiku's economic record during his tenure as vice-president from 1999 to 2007.

He alleged that the administration in which Atiku served squandered $16 billion allocated to electricity projects, arguing that subsequent governments were left to contend with the consequences.

The allegation formed part of the APC spokesman's broader argument that Atiku should account for his own record before criticising the current administration.

The electricity expenditure allegation is a contested political claim and should not be treated as an established finding of personal wrongdoing by Atiku without supporting documentary evidence, audit findings or relevant official investigations.

Nevertheless, the exchange illustrates the competing approaches adopted by the two parties: the ADC is focusing on the present administration's economic outcomes, while the APC is drawing attention to the opposition candidate's past involvement in government.

3. What Do the Economic Indicators Say?

The debate cannot be resolved by political statements alone. Economic performance must be examined using indicators such as inflation, real household incomes, employment, poverty, economic growth and the cost of essential goods.

A Reuters analysis published in August 2026 described a gap between improvements in some macroeconomic indicators and the financial pressures experienced by many Nigerians. The report noted that the Tinubu administration's reforms had attracted investor interest but had also contributed to a severe cost-of-living shock.

This distinction is important when evaluating the competing claims.

• • The government's case: Reforms can improve public finances, foreign-exchange conditions and investor confidence, even when the immediate effects on households are difficult.
  • The opposition's case: Improvements in economic statistics are insufficient if citizens continue to struggle to afford food, transport, housing and healthcare.
  • The central question: Are the reforms producing sustainable improvements in living standards, and how broadly are their benefits being shared?

These are measurable questions. They require consistent data over time, rather than relying exclusively on either government announcements or opposition criticism.

4. Why the Exchange Matters for the 2027 Election

The argument between Abdullahi and Morka is part of a wider political contest over responsibility for Nigeria's economic condition.

The APC is defending its reform programme while reminding voters of the economic decisions made under previous administrations. The ADC is arguing that the incumbent government must be judged on the results achieved during its time in office.

Both arguments raise legitimate subjects for public scrutiny, but neither automatically settles the question of economic responsibility.

Voters will have to consider what the current administration inherited, what it has changed, the costs and benefits of those changes, and what credible alternatives the opposition is proposing.

The ADC, in particular, will need to explain how its proposed policies would address inflation, employment, public finances, electricity supply and household hardship. The APC will need to demonstrate whether its reforms are delivering results that Nigerians can experience in their daily lives.

Note:

The ADC–APC confrontation highlights a fundamental disagreement over how Nigeria's economic performance should be judged.

The ruling party is emphasizing past decisions and the need for reforms, while the opposition is demanding more visible improvements in citizens' living conditions.

The most useful test is evidence: whether economic policies are improving purchasing power, expanding reliable electricity supply, creating sustainable jobs and reducing poverty.

As the 2027 election approaches, Nigerians will have an opportunity to compare the government's record with the opposition's proposals and decide which claims are supported by facts.

Source: BusinessDay — ADC, APC clash over Tinubu's economic policies