The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of misleading Nigerians over recent reports about rising poverty levels in the country.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on March 14, 2026, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the opposition party misinterpreted a policy report presented at the Agora Policy Dialogue, which suggested that poverty levels had risen from 49 percent to 63 percent.
APC Defends Tinubu’s Economic Policies
Morka said the criticism by the ADC ignored the broader economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
According to the APC spokesman, the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s multiple foreign exchange regimes were necessary steps to address long-standing structural challenges in the country’s economy.
He noted that previous administrations had considered similar reforms but lacked the political will to implement them due to concerns about short-term economic hardship.
Fuel Subsidy Removal Described as Historic Policy Shift
The APC described the removal of the fuel subsidy as one of the most significant fiscal decisions in Nigeria’s recent history.
The party argued that the subsidy regime had placed a heavy burden on public finances for decades, consuming trillions of naira annually while benefiting middlemen, fuel import cartels, and smugglers rather than ordinary Nigerians.
According to the statement, ending the subsidy has freed up resources that are now being directed toward key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social development.
Economic Reforms Beginning to Show Results
Morka said the economic reforms are beginning to yield positive outcomes for Nigeria’s economy.
He stated that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.4 percent in the previous year and is projected to expand by 5.5 percent in the current fiscal year. He also claimed that the country’s foreign reserves have surpassed $50 billion, the highest level in nearly two decades.
The APC further noted that inflation is gradually declining and trending toward single-digit levels, while food inflation is at its lowest point in more than a decade.
Social Intervention Programmes for Nigerians
The ruling party highlighted several social protection initiatives introduced by the Tinubu administration to support vulnerable Nigerians.
These include cash transfer programmes, student loan schemes, and the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives aimed at reducing transportation costs.
According to the APC, these measures are designed to cushion the temporary economic hardships caused by ongoing reforms while strengthening the resilience of Nigerian households.
APC Accuses ADC of Playing Politics
The APC also criticized the ADC for what it described as “empty attacks” on the government without presenting alternative policy solutions.
Morka said Nigerians are aware of the reforms being implemented and remain supportive of efforts to rebuild the country’s economy.
He added that the administration of President Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and create opportunities for future generations.
