A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nelson Ahamefula Akuma, has faulted the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its claim that its recent by-election victories reflect growing public approval for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had described its victories in last Saturday’s legislative by-elections across 13 states as evidence of increasing support for Tinubu’s policies to revive the economy and improve governance.
However, reacting to the party’s statement, Akuma dismissed the assertion as “hallucination,” insisting the by-election results do not reflect the true mood of Nigerians. He urged citizens to focus on the 2027 general elections, predicting that widespread hardship will lead to the APC’s rejection at the polls.
“Hunger has already mobilized Nigerians against the ruling party,” Akuma said. “A people united can never be defeated. The key issue in 2027 will be the welfare of Nigerians. How many can sleep with both eyes closed? How many are sure of their next meal?”
He accused the APC-led government of presiding over worsening living conditions, noting that inflation and naira devaluation have eroded workers’ earnings despite the touted minimum wage increase. According to him, the number of out-of-school children has doubled under the administration because many parents can no longer afford basic necessities.
Akuma further described the current government as the “worst since Nigeria’s independence,” alleging that it is built on “lies, half-truths and propaganda.”
The ADC chieftain also criticized the conduct of security agencies during the by-elections to fill 16 vacant state and national assembly seats, accusing them of harassing and intimidating opposition members.
He expressed outrage over the brutalization of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Anambra State, allegedly by operatives linked to the state government. Akuma attributed such incidents to the recruitment of political thugs into security outfits and warned against calls for state police.
“Governor Charles Soludo is becoming increasingly unpopular because of his needless attacks on Peter Obi,” Akuma alleged, adding that the dismissal of the vigilante operatives involved in the assault was insufficient. He called on the Nigeria Police to ensure justice is served to deter future occurrences.
Akuma maintained that what transpired in the by-elections would not repeat itself in 2027, as Nigerians have become more determined to hold the ruling party accountable.
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