Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the country is in dire straits as it holds a national convention ahead of elections next year.
The party has united several previously unaligned opposition figures, yet remains divided by internal rivalries against ruling APC dominance.
Secretary Rauf Aregbesola criticised President Bola Tinubu over rising living costs, insecurity and Nigeria’s persistently struggling national power grid.
He said insecurity is worsening, with banditry and terrorism spreading across the country at an alarming pace.
He warned the country is in dire straits and urged an end to national drift into hopelessness.
Tinubu’s administration has pursued reforms praised by economists, including exchange rate liberalisation and removal of a costly fuel subsidy.
However, prices have surged, with inflation peaking at about 33 percent in December 2024 before easing to around 15 percent in February 2026.
The country’s insurgency has also worsened, with researchers warning of escalating violence and renewed jihadist activity across northern regions.
Mass kidnappings and two suicide bombings in Maiduguri have revived memories of the conflict’s peak a decade ago.
The ADC itself remains riven by internal struggles, with court disputes preventing agreement on presidential candidates.
Party officials also alleged authorities pressured private venues in Abuja to deny them space for campaign gatherings.
At the convention, police presence proved insufficient, as thousands of supporters gathered and access to the venue became chaotic.
Officers eventually used tear gas outside to disperse crowds, while proceedings continued inside among party leaders.