- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Tinubu government of weaponising poverty for political advantage.
- ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the government’s claim of reduced food prices is deceptive.
- The party alleged that the so-called drop in food prices is temporary.
- ADC urged the Federal Government to stop using hunger as a political tool.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it described as the Federal Government’s manipulation of poverty and hunger to score political points.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party dismissed claims by the Tinubu administration that food prices are dropping as a result of increased local production. According to Abdullahi, the alleged decline in food prices is not a reflection of sound economic policy but rather a product of artificial market manipulation.
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“The truth is that the government is weaponising hunger for political purposes,” Abdullahi said. “While officials celebrate supposed improvements, ordinary Nigerians continue to face severe hardship and rising food costs.”
He explained that the temporary drop in prices stems from import waivers that have flooded markets with cheap foreign food, forcing local farmers into deeper poverty. “Such measures only create short-term relief but damage local production,” he added.
The ADC criticised the administration for claiming success in agriculture while insecurity and banditry continue to drive farmers away from their farmlands. It said any current reduction in food prices is unsustainable and based on panic, not proper planning.
“This is propaganda,” the party said. “It is a deliberate attempt to create an illusion of economic progress while citizens continue to suffer from high food costs and unemployment.”
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The statement further questioned the Federal Government’s alleged decision to hoard imported food despite widespread hunger. “If indeed the government has not released imported food into the market, why is it being stored while people go hungry?” Abdullahi asked.
Calling for a complete overhaul of the nation’s agricultural strategy, the ADC urged the Tinubu administration to focus on long-term solutions that empower farmers and ensure food security rather than playing politics with people’s lives.
