2027: Tinubu Administration Lacks Clear Direction — Bolaji Abdullahi

Former Minister of Youth and Sports and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticized the Tinubu administration, saying it lacks a clear policy direction and has worsened the hardship of Nigerians through what he described as “punitive policies.”

Speaking in an interview, Abdullahi also reacted to reports of a court order allegedly restraining former Senate President David Mark and ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola from acting as ADC leaders, describing the claim as false and politically motivated.

“We knew from day one that the same forces which destabilised other opposition parties would not allow the ADC coalition to take off smoothly without challenge,” he said.

He explained that after reviewing the supposed ruling, the party found no such injunction existed. “What was the motive of those spreading this disinformation? We saw those behind it, and they are directly connected to government circles. It is a continuation of the same agents of destabilisation working to drag Nigeria towards a one-party state,” Abdullahi said.

He stressed that the leadership change in ADC was taken at the 99th NEC meeting, duly observed by INEC, and that “the Supreme Court has already settled the question of party leadership. The decision belongs to the party, not the courts.”

On ADC’s readiness for reconciliation, Abdullahi said: “We will be happy to talk to anyone willing to engage. But when people become belligerent and clearly work to destabilise the party, we will move on. If they want to talk, we are ready, but if they continue along this path, we will face them.”

Responding to Dr. Kachikwu’s criticism that ADC’s leaders are “recycled politicians,” Abdullahi dismissed him as “not even a member of the ADC” and condemned his rhetoric as “divisive, inflammatory and wrong.” He added: “Who in Nigerian politics is not recycled? Are we going to manufacture a brand-new political class overnight? Politics is done by the same people.”

Abdullahi also took aim at the Tinubu government, accusing it of nepotism and propaganda. “If you take a roll call of the current administration’s appointments, you’ll see it is a government of cronies and friends. Their attempt to disprove bias ironically confirmed the allegations, with inflated figures and duplicated projects. They are only competent at creating statistics that suit their propaganda.”

On whether four years is enough to judge the administration, Abdullahi said: “Yes. We have seen leaders who delivered sterling achievements in four years. The real question is: what direction is this government taking Nigerians? Subsidy removal has caused untold hardship with no mitigating measures. Devaluation has eroded purchasing power. Minimum wage remains below the poverty line. And new taxes, including petrol and aviation VAT, are punishing ordinary Nigerians.”

He continued: “Policies may be technically correct, but if they break citizens’ backs, leaders must say no. Instead, this government doubles down, saying it is ‘tough medicine.’ But where is it taking us? Leaders live in opulence while ordinary Nigerians suffer. It is not even about Tinubu being a good or bad driver — the problem is, we don’t know who the driver is or where we are being driven.”

Abdullahi also revealed that with recent court clarifications, ADC can now issue membership cards, adding that there has been strong turnout at ward meetings. “This coalition is about Nigerians rejecting the direction of the APC government. As we approach 2027, many more people will come forward,” he said.

On recent by-elections, he downplayed ADC’s performance, saying: “The election came barely a month after we entered the party. If the ruling party thinks the result reflects our strength, let them continue in that belief. They will be shocked.”