ADC Criticizes Presidency Over Onanuga’s Comments on National Hardship

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the federal government, labeling it as disconnected from the daily struggles of Nigerians. This reaction follows recent comments by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who suggested that reports of widespread hunger and hardship across the country may be overstated.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the spokesperson’s remarks as insensitive. The opposition party argued that questioning the existence of economic distress in the face of rising inflation and the high cost of living reveals a troubling detachment within the current administration.

“Those comments are not merely insensitive; they are a startling admission of how disconnected the government has become from the realities of the people it governs,” Abdullahi stated. The party asserted that the majority of citizens are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and school fees, and that this hardship is not a matter of political propaganda but a lived experience for millions.

The ADC blamed the country’s economic downturn on the government’s recent policy decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market. While the administration maintains that these reforms are necessary for long-term stabilization, the opposition insists that these measures have disproportionately impacted the poor and failed to provide adequate economic relief.

Addressing the government’s emphasis on infrastructure projects, the ADC argued that physical developments do not substitute for the immediate economic needs of the population. The party called on the presidency to acknowledge the consequences of its policies and take greater responsibility for the current economic state of the nation.

The administration has previously defended its position by pointing to various economic indicators and ongoing interventions, which it claims demonstrate progress toward long-term prosperity. However, the ADC maintains that until the government listens to the concerns of citizens in markets and households, the disconnect between official policy and public reality will continue to grow.