The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plunging Nigeria into deeper hardship, insecurity, and disillusionment, saying the country is staggering under its failures.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the statement at a press conference on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Abdullahi said that while the day is one of reflection and celebration of the country’s journey since independence in 1960, it also calls for sober evaluation of the present reality.

He lamented what he described as an “acute convergence of crises,” including worsening economic conditions, surging insecurity, and the erosion of public confidence in government.

“At 65, our nation is staggering under the failures of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC,” Abdullahi declared.

“The much-touted ‘renewed hope’ agenda has instead brought economic dislocation, inflation, and crushing poverty to millions of households.”

According to him, reforms rolled out by the administration have done more harm than good, destabilizing lives while offering little in terms of relief or cushioning measures.

On security, Abdullahi said the ruling party’s record remains a “damning indictment,” stressing that terrorist groups, bandits and kidnappers continue to wreak havoc in the North and beyond, even reaching into the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite these challenges, the ADC spokesman praised Nigerians for their resilience and commitment to the national dream.

“We salute our workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and young people who, despite the failures of leadership, keep faith with the Nigerian spirit of creativity and perseverance,” he said.

Abdullahi urged citizens to rise and demand accountable leadership, warning that the nation’s survival depends on collective action to confront misgovernance and reclaim Nigeria’s destiny.

A new civic movement, The Future is Now project, has called for 70 percent youth representation in Nigeria’s legislative and executive arms of government, declaring that young people can no longer be sidelined in the nation’s decision-making process.

The demand was made on Wednesday during the official unveiling of the project at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, where young leaders, lawmakers, and stakeholders from across the country gathered.

Convener of the initiative and former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, outlined an ambitious target for the next election cycle.

According to him, the project envisions 70 percent of local government chairmanship seats held by persons under 35, 70 percent of state assembly seats contested and won by those under 35 and 70 percent of House of Representatives seats occupied by politicians under 40.

He further stressed that at least half of all executive appointments at both federal and state levels should go to Nigerians under the age of 40.

Interim chairman of the project, Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki (Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency), described the initiative as a national movement to correct structural barriers that continue to exclude youth from governance, despite the passage of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018.

“Today, we are not just unveiling a project; we are igniting a movement, driven by sacrifice, persuasion, and courage. The future is not tomorrow, the future is now,” Dasuki declared.

He warned that if the country’s largest demographic group continues to feel alienated, frustration could translate into instability.

Other speakers at the event included former Minister of Youth Solomon Dalung, Hon. Ibrahim Bello Haliru, currently the youngest member of the National Assembly, alongside Hon. Henry Shield, Hon. Salisu Yakassai, and Hon. David Oloto.

The participants resolved that young Nigerians are no longer merely “leaders of tomorrow” but must be recognized, supported, and positioned as the leaders of today.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prepare for a new wave of defections from opposition parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Owerri at the public presentation of a book authored by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma titled “Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of the APC Administration in Nigeria” and during the commissioning of projects by President Tinubu, Akpabio said several governors were already finalizing arrangements to join the APC.

The Senate President noted that Nigerians were beginning to witness tangible benefits from Tinubu’s reforms, adding that various sectors, students, farmers, and business communities, were already feeling the impact of the administration’s policies.

“Mr. President, with what you have achieved in the past two years, more opposition governors are on their way to the APC. The results of your policies are speaking for you. Nigerians can see the changes, and those who benefit directly are now testifying,” Akpabio said.

He praised Governor Uzodimma for documenting his decade-long political stewardship, stressing that leaders must take ownership of their achievements or risk having their stories distorted.

According to him, “Progress is not about rhetoric but about visible action. The projects commissioned today reflect quality and purpose, and the people of Imo State have every reason to celebrate their governor’s accomplishments.”

It will be recalled that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, a development seen as a boost for the ruling party ahead of the next election cycle.

In his Independence Day address to the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu admitted that his government’s economic reforms have brought “temporary pains” but assured citizens that lasting relief is on the way.

The President acknowledged the daily challenges Nigerians face and outlined how his administration plans to address them.

1. Rising cost of living
Tinubu conceded that inflation and soaring prices are straining millions of households.

“These reforms have come with temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government,” he said.

He promised that measures in agriculture and food security will soon reduce the cost of food and other essentials.

2. Persistent power shortages
The President admitted that inadequate electricity supply continues to hinder homes and industries.

“We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago,” he explained.

Tinubu said long-term investments are underway to expand power generation and improve critical infrastructure.

3. Neglect of infrastructure
He acknowledged that decades of underinvestment left Nigerians coping with poor roads, overstretched schools, and fragile health systems.

“We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools and hospitals that will serve our children and our people,” he said.

According to him, government spending is now being redirected to infrastructure projects that will benefit both the present generation and the future.

4. Burden of sacrifice
Tinubu admitted that the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms have intensified hardship but insisted the policies are already beginning to pay off.

“Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy. We chose the path of reform. I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” he assured.

The President emphasized that his government’s vision goes beyond figures and policies, noting that he is aware of the pain Nigerians experience daily in their homes, markets, and on the roads.

He pledged that these sacrifices will yield long-term stability and growth.

For many citizens, however, the real measure of his words will be whether the promised relief translates into visible improvements in their everyday lives.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s government, accusing it of indifference to the worsening plight of Nigerians as the nation marked its 65th Independence anniversary.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate, said millions of citizens were “reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland” despite Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources.

“Hunger is killing Nigerians, bandits are massacring communities, yet President Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring,” Atiku charged.

The former vice-president argued that any government worthy of its mandate must prioritize the security and welfare of its people, insisting Tinubu’s administration had failed in that duty.

He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy, stressing that the ballot box remained their only tool to correct bad governance.

“Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people,” Atiku said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Atiku lamented the nation’s underwhelming progress, describing it as a “giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay.”

He blamed decades of misrule and wasteful governance for the country’s struggles but expressed hope that with visionary leadership, Nigeria could still reclaim its rightful place globally.

Atiku formally left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in July 2025, citing irreconcilable differences.

He has since aligned himself with a coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Since assuming office in May 2023, President

Tinubu has implemented sweeping economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

While the policies have triggered inflation and widespread hardship, the government maintains they are necessary foundations for long-term stability and growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria was on the verge of economic collapse when he assumed office in May 2023, forcing his administration to embark on sweeping reforms.

In a nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, Tinubu described the state of the economy he met as “near-collapsed,” weakened by “decades of fiscal distortions and misalignments” that stunted real growth.

“Upon assuming office, our administration faced a stark reality. We could either continue with business as usual and watch our nation drift further into crisis, or take bold steps to reset the economy. We chose reform,” Tinubu said.

The President defended his controversial policy decisions, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, insisting that both were necessary to restore economic stability.

“For too long, fuel subsidies and multiple exchange rates served only a privileged few, while the majority of Nigerians saw little benefit from our commonwealth. By ending these distortions, we created the foundation for sustainable growth,” he explained.

The removal of subsidy, however, triggered sharp increases in the cost of fuel and basic goods, deepening hardship for millions of Nigerians.

Critics and some economists have accused the government of worsening living conditions, but Tinubu has remained steadfast.

“We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those tough but essential choices are beginning to bear fruit,” he insisted.

The President’s Independence Day message comes amid continuing debate over whether the reforms will deliver long-term gains or entrench deeper inequality.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially relieved his cabinet of their duties, bringing an end to the tenure of Commissioners and senior officials affected by the recent Supreme Court decision.

Speaking at a valedictory session in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, Fubara expressed gratitude to the outgoing cabinet members for their service and contributions to the state’s progress over the past two years.

The development follows the nullification of their appointments by the Supreme Court, which effectively terminated their tenure.

Fubara, who himself returned to office after the lifting of a State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, used the occasion to stress the need for unity and collective responsibility in nation-building.

He urged Rivers people and Nigerians at large to support President Tinubu’s efforts at fostering peace, security, and prosperity across the country.

Reaffirming his dedication to the state, the governor pledged to serve with “renewed vigor and commitment,” while also extending warm wishes to Nigerians as the country marked its 65th Independence Anniversary.