ADC slams Tinubu over false revenue claims, petrol tax hike

Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a fierce attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of deceiving the public with manipulated revenue figures while introducing harsh economic policies that deepen poverty across the country.

In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, the party challenged the government’s self-praise on revenue growth, describing it as “another propaganda show” designed to distract Nigerians from worsening economic realities.

The ADC argued that while Tinubu’s team celebrated “record-breaking collections,” the actual figures reveal a yawning gap between projections and real income.

According to the party, the 2025 budget anticipated a total revenue of N41.81 trillion, yet the government has so far mobilised only N20.59 trillion, a shortfall of N21.22 trillion.

“Nothing in the current data suggests that Nigeria is anywhere near achieving its revenue target,” said Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary. “These numbers don’t add up, and Nigerians deserve honesty, not political theatre.”

The opposition party also picked holes in Tinubu’s recent remarks about exchange rates and borrowing.

It noted that the president falsely claimed the naira stood at N1,900 to the dollar when he assumed office, even though official figures show it traded at roughly N460.72 at the time.

“Instead of stabilising the economy, the naira has lost over half its value under this administration, wiping out savings and driving inflation through the roof,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC further accused the government of misrepresenting its borrowing record. It pointed to a Federal Government bond auction in August that raised N136.16 billion, alongside a $21 billion loan recently approved by the National Assembly.

“If revenues are truly meeting targets, why does borrowing keep increasing?” the party asked.

Beyond revenue, the ADC condemned recent policy decisions, including a newly introduced 5% petrol tax and a 300% hike in passport fees.

It described both moves as “cruel and insensitive” at a time when Nigerians are still grappling with the impact of fuel subsidy removal and a weak currency.

“Instead of offering relief, this government is taxing survival,” Abdullahi said. “Policies like these punish ordinary Nigerians while the political elite remain insulated from the suffering they cause.”

The party warned that unless the government reverses course, poverty levels will continue to rise while trust in public institutions collapses further.

“Nigeria cannot thrive on propaganda and punitive policies,” the ADC concluded. “True leadership requires easing hardship, not monetising it.”