‘Take governance more seriously’ — ADC spokesman sends birthday message to Tinubu

2026-03-29 - 13:33

The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his administration’s performance, using a birthday message to highlight what he described as worsening conditions in the country. In a statement marking the president’s 74th birthday, Abdullahi said Nigerians were reflecting on a presidency whose impact, according to him, has been largely negative. “Happy Birthday, Mr. President... Nigerians reflect on a presidency whose impact is now impossible to ignore. Under your watch, fuel prices have risen by nearly 500%, turning basic transportation into a daily calculation of survival,” he said. The ADC spokesman also raised concerns about insecurity, claiming that the situation had deteriorated under the current administration. “Under your leadership, Nigeria has climbed to 4th on the Global Terrorism Index, while thousands of lives have been lost to violence... Every hour, a Nigerian is killed by insurgents,” Abdullahi stated. He further criticised the government’s handling of security challenges, suggesting that official rhetoric has failed to reflect the gravity of the situation. “Under your presidency, insecurity has not just persisted, it has adapted, expanded, and, at times, been met with language that blurs accountability,” he said. On the economy, Abdullahi said the cost of living had worsened, adding that many Nigerians were struggling to cope. “Under your leadership, the economic strain on Nigerians has deepened, the cost of living has surged, and the ‘Renewed Hope’ that you promised has turned to hopelessness for millions of Nigerian families,” he added. He also warned of what he described as a shrinking political space, expressing concern over the future of Nigeria’s democracy. “And under your watch, the political space is narrowing, raising real concerns about the steady drift toward a one-party state,” Abdullahi said. The ADC spokesman, however, said birthdays provide an opportunity for reflection, urging the president to reassess his leadership in the coming year. “So as you celebrate your final year in office, Nigerians can only offer a prayer... that you begin to take governance more seriously... and act with the weight and responsibility of leading the world’s most populous Black nation,” he said. He concluded by wishing the president good health and what he described as improved judgment. “Wishing you good health, improved judgment, and a sense of responsibility to the people you govern. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!” he added.