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A prominent support group has launched a stinging rebuke against the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). It accuses its leadership of “thoughtless” criticism regarding the recent spike in fuel prices across Nigeria.

The Democratic Front (TDF) defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the rise in energy costs is a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—a factor they say is entirely outside the government’s control.

The row highlights the deepening political divide in Africa’s most populous nation, as the “Renewed Hope” agenda faces increased scrutiny over the rising cost of living.

The ‘Agora’ Contradiction

In a statement signed by Chairman Danjuma Muhammad, the TDF singled out the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, for specific criticism.

The group accused Mr. Abdullahi—a former minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration—of “hypocrisy,” claiming he previously praised government initiatives like the National Student Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) while writing for a private think tank.

“Regrettably, the ADC’s desperation for power has deprived the party of conscience,” the statement read, adding that government policies are already “crystallising into tangible developments.”

The Claims: Inflation and Infrastructure

The TDF provided a robust defense of the President’s three-year record, citing several key metrics that they claim prove the economy is stabilizing:

• Inflation Drop: The group claims that headline inflation has fallen from a peak of 35% to 15%, largely attributed to “massive investments in agriculture.”
• Housing: Over 15,000 housing units have reportedly been completed for low-to-medium income earners.
• Healthcare: The administration highlights the enrollment of 20 million citizens in the national health insurance scheme and a 60% increase in the health budget.

Analysis: A Battle of Narratives

The war of words between the TDF and the ADC underscores a central tension in Nigerian politics: the struggle to balance macro-economic reforms with the immediate “economic plight” of the citizenry.

While the government points to increased revenue for state governments and the “monumental boost” in federation account allocations, the average Nigerian continues to feel the pinch of high fuel costs and food prices. By linking the fuel crisis to the Middle East conflict, the TDF is attempting to shield the President from domestic blame, shifting the narrative toward global volatility.

However, the opposition’s argument—that Nigerians are still waiting for the “Renewed Hope” promises to manifest—continues to resonate with those yet to feel the impact of the reported 15,000 houses or healthcare expansions.

A ‘Clueless’ Legacy

The TDF did not miss the opportunity to take a swipe at the past, describing the Jonathan administration, in which Mr. Abdullahi served, as “clueless” and responsible for wasting crude oil earnings on “indiscriminate importation.”

As the 2027 election cycle looms over the political horizon, this exchange suggests that the record of past administrations will be used as a political weapon as much as the performance of the current one.