The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, the Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, to clarify the benefits that Nigerians have derived from the N15.8 trillion generated by the removal of fuel subsidies. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over Yari's dismissal of promises for relief as mere fabrications, suggesting that such a stance reflects a troubling acceptance of hardship as a permanent state for Nigerians.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ADC highlighted that the figures provided by the Minister of Finance indicate that the reforms, which included the removal of petrol subsidies and foreign-exchange adjustments, have significantly increased government revenues. According to the party, between June 2023 and December 2025, the Federal Government, states, and local governments shared approximately N15.8 trillion in additional resources, with each receiving N5.4 trillion.

The ADC pointed out that despite these substantial allocations, which saw state FAAC receipts rise from N10.09 trillion in 2023 to N21.90 trillion in 2025, the economic conditions for ordinary Nigerians have worsened. The party noted that petrol prices surged from about N185 per litre in May 2023 to over N1,300 in August 2025, while food inflation soared past 40%. Transport costs have also increased dramatically, and the promised alternative mass-transit options using compressed natural gas (CNG) have yet to be implemented effectively.

The contradiction is impossible to ignore," the ADC stated, emphasizing the disparity between rising government revenues and the declining living standards of Nigerian families. They questioned the effectiveness of the government's fiscal policies, asking, "If governments are receiving substantially more money, why are Nigerians getting substantially less food to eat?

The ADC further criticized the APC government for its handling of the increased revenues, noting that despite the windfall, many states resorted to borrowing, with reports indicating that 20 states borrowed N458 billion in 2025 alone. They demanded transparency regarding how the additional N5.4 trillion from the reforms has been utilized, urging the government to publish details of projects funded by these resources, such as schools, hospitals, and infrastructure improvements.

In their statement, the ADC described the current situation as disgraceful, stating that the only visible outcome of the trillions generated has been the payment of civil servants' salaries, which are insufficient to meet the rising cost of living. They lamented that essential budgets remain unimplemented, local contractors are unpaid, and public infrastructure continues to deteriorate, contributing to Nigeria's status as one of the most dangerous places to live.

The ADC also challenged the APC to present a clear plan for reducing transportation costs ahead of the 2027 elections. They criticized Yari's assertion that subsidies cannot be reinstated without offering a viable alternative to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians. The party advocates for a focus on domestic refining and transparent support measures aimed at lowering fuel prices and the overall cost of living.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, the ADC asserts that the election will revolve around tangible solutions for Nigerians, rather than mere rhetoric. "Nigerians have sacrificed enough. They need a break," the ADC concluded, emphasizing the urgency for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare of the populace.