ADC accuses APC of economic mismanagement, international embarrassment, and sidelining Nigeria on the global stage
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration following Nigeria’s exclusion from recent White House commercial trade talks with key African nations. The party claims the omission underscores Nigeria’s declining global influence and is a direct result of sustained economic failures under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
In a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said Nigeria’s absence from the high-level discussions was a “damning international indictment” of the Tinubu-led government. The U.S. invited leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—but notably left out Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.
“Although we boast the continent’s largest consumer market and most influential diaspora, Nigeria was ignored,” the party said.
The U.S. noted it had only invited nations that have demonstrated “the ability and willingness to help themselves,” implying a lack of credible economic leadership from Nigeria.
According to the ADC, this snub reflects how far Nigeria has fallen in international diplomacy and economic relevance.
Nigeria Losing Continental Leadership Role
The ADC expressed dismay that Nigeria, once a leader on the continent, is now an afterthought in global and regional decision-making forums. “Under APC, we are being reduced to playing second fiddle to smaller economies. President Tinubu spent a week in St. Lucia, a nation with less than 1% of Nigeria’s GDP. Meanwhile, the White House held talks that could shape Africa’s economic future — without us.”
They also criticized Nigeria’s weakened presence in the African Union and ECOWAS, where the country’s voice used to be dominant.
ADC Promises Transparent Leadership Amid Internal Legal Battle
Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, assured party members and the public that ADC under his leadership will be “absolutely transparent.” He dismissed rumors that the party has a preferred presidential candidate for 2027, stating the platform will be open and fair to all aspirants.
“We must first build a strong, credible party. All members are equal stakeholders,” Mark emphasized at a meeting with Kogi State stakeholders.
Coalition Vows Not to Surrender Party to Presidential Hopefuls
Mallam Salihu Lukman, former DG of the APC Governors’ Forum and now a key figure in ADC’s leadership, also made it clear that the party will not be handed over to any individual eyeing the 2027 presidency.
“Whether it’s Atiku, Obi, or Amaechi, no one will hijack the party,” Lukman said during a TV interview. He noted that the coalition has undertaken due diligence to resolve internal disputes and rebuild ADC’s structure with integrity.
FG and APC Fire Back: Dismiss ADC Criticism as Baseless
Responding to ADC’s criticisms, the Federal Government and APC described the coalition as desperate and disorganized. Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, insisted President Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms and national development.
“Crude oil theft is down, the naira is stabilizing, inflation is easing, and the administration is delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda,” Idris said.
APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed ADC’s allegations as “mischievous fiction,” adding that the ruling party has no interest in destabilizing a party already unraveling from within.
“ADC’s future looks bleak, and they need no help from us to disintegrate,” Morka concluded.