ADC Refutes APC Economic Claims as National Poverty Rate Surges to 63 Percent Following Subsidy Removal

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi tackles APC over 63% poverty rate, citing failed economic reforms and the 500% rise in fuel costs under the Tinubu presidency.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 4:32 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Leadership News

Escalating Poverty Metrics and Policy Criticism

The African Democratic Congress has formally rejected the ruling party’s defense of the current administration’s economic trajectory, pointing to data that illustrates a deepening humanitarian crisis. National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized that independent research presented at a recent Agora Policy dialogue shows Nigeria’s poverty rate has climbed to 63 percent, up from approximately 50 percent prior to the elimination of the petrol subsidy. The ADC argues that these figures are not mere political talking points but are reflective of the human cost associated with the administration's fiscal choices. By dismissing these statistics, the opposition claims the government is ignoring the lived realities of millions of citizens who have been pushed below the poverty line.

Public Sentiment and Economic Direction

Independent surveys cited by the opposition indicate a profound lack of public confidence in the nation's current path, with 93 percent of Nigerians reporting that the country is heading in the wrong direction. According to Abdullahi, roughly 88 percent of the population describes the national economy as bad, while 74 percent categorize their personal living conditions as poor. The ADC maintains that these views are consistent across party lines, including among members of the ruling APC. These metrics suggest that the hardship experienced by the populace is not a localized issue but a widespread sentiment that contradicts official claims of broad support for the government’s reform agenda.

The Reality of Essential Resource Scarcity

The ADC has highlighted severe deficits in access to basic necessities, countering the government's narrative that current hardships are merely transient. Recent data shows that 82 percent of Nigerians have gone without sufficient food or medical care at least once in the past year. Furthermore, the opposition notes that 79 percent of households have lacked cooking fuel, while 95 percent of the population has experienced periods without any cash income. These statistics point to a state of deepening economic distress rather than temporary discomfort, suggesting that the removal of the subsidy has stripped many families of their ability to afford fundamental life requirements such as clean water and healthcare.