The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the rising cost of petrol is putting increasing pressure on households, businesses and families across Nigeria.
The opposition party raised the concerns in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, following petrol prices reaching as high as ₦1,470 per litre in some locations. It argued that the increase in fuel costs was affecting transportation, food, education and other basic needs.
“President Tinubu has turned the petrol pump into an instrument of punishment for everyday Nigerians,” the party said, adding that the price of fuel has a direct effect on several areas of daily life.
The ADC also pointed to reports of private schools increasing their fees by between 30 and 40 per cent. It said the increases were happening despite the fact that household incomes had not risen at a similar rate.
“Parents are not earning 40 per cent more. Their salaries have not risen with the prices of fuel, food, rent, transportation, and school fees. Yet, at every turn, this government demands that already exhausted families pay more.”
The party said school owners should not necessarily be blamed for the fee increases, noting that they were also dealing with higher taxes, electricity bills, fuel expenses, rent and staff salaries.
“Parents, workers, and businesses are all casualties of Tinubu and the APC’s economy.”
The ADC described the current petrol price as a “Tinubu Tax”, arguing that the rising cost of fuel had created additional pressure on Nigerians already struggling with increased living expenses.
“At N1,470 per litre, petrol is no longer simply a commodity. It is a Tinubu Tax, which has made life unbearable for the majority. Under Tinubu and the APC, Nigerians have been tightening their belts. Now, there are no more holes left, and people have started to choke. Families are now skipping meals, withdrawing children from school, abandoning medical treatment and shutting down businesses,” it said.
The party also criticised what it described as the continued extravagant lifestyles of some public officials while ordinary citizens were being asked to make sacrifices.
It argued that economic reforms should ultimately improve living conditions rather than leave citizens struggling with higher costs.
“A reform that continuously makes the people poorer is not working. An economic policy that produces impressive figures at government briefings but hunger in Nigerian homes is a failure. When parents must choose between feeding their children and educating them, the government has failed spectacularly in its most basic responsibility.”
The ADC also linked the economic debate to the 2027 general election, saying it would present Nigerians with its proposed alternative economic programme through its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The party reiterated Atiku’s proposal to reduce petrol prices by restoring subsidy mechanisms to support domestic fuel production. According to the ADC, the measure would help ease the cost of food, transportation and production.
“Unlike Tinubu and APC, we recognise that economic reform must serve the people, not sacrifice them,” the ADC said.
“Nigeria cannot be an oil-producing country whose citizens see every visit to a filling station as punishment.”
The party further warned the ruling APC against interpreting Nigerians’ continued resilience as acceptance of the current situation.
“Our resilience must not become an excuse for continued cruelty. Tinubu has had enough time and inflicted enough pain. The people are suffering, businesses are dying, and hope is becoming increasingly expensive. President Tinubu must act now. Don’t push Nigerians to their limits,” the party said.
