The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga over his recent comments on the economic situation in Nigeria, describing the remarks as insensitive and evidence that the Federal Government is disconnected from the realities facing millions of Nigerians.
The opposition party said the comments showed a lack of understanding of the hardship many citizens are experiencing due to rising food prices, inflation and the increasing cost of living.
The criticism followed Onanuga’s appearance on Arise Television on Tuesday, during which he said he did not see the level of hunger that many Nigerians have been complaining about.
His remarks quickly sparked reactions from political opponents and members of the public, with many arguing that the economic difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians are visible across the country.
Reacting to the comments on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of failing to recognise the suffering of citizens.
In a statement posted on his X account, Abdullahi said Onanuga’s remarks reflected a government that had become increasingly detached from the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“Mr Bayo Onanuga’s comments are not merely insensitive; they are a startling admission of how disconnected the APC government has become from the realities of the people it governs,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, millions of Nigerians are facing serious economic challenges, including difficulties in feeding their families, paying school fees, meeting transportation costs and keeping their businesses afloat.
He argued that such realities cannot be dismissed or downplayed by government officials.
“When over 80 per cent of Nigerians are struggling to feed their families, pay school fees, afford transportation and keep their businesses alive, it is extraordinary that a senior presidential spokesman can publicly suggest that the hardship is somehow overstated or even contrived,” he said.
The ADC spokesman blamed the country’s economic difficulties on policies introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the cost-of-living crisis currently affecting Nigerians is the result of economic decisions that have increased poverty and reduced the purchasing power of citizens.
“The unprecedented cost-of-living crisis confronting the country today is the direct result of the ill-conceived and poorly executed economic policies of the Tinubu administration, which have thrown millions more into acute poverty since this government came to power,” Abdullahi stated.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.
Government officials have repeatedly defended the measures, arguing that they were necessary to stabilise the economy, attract investment and reduce long-term financial pressures on the country.
However, the reforms have also led to significant increases in transportation costs, food prices and the cost of basic goods and services.
Across many parts of the country, households have continued to struggle with rising living expenses, while businesses face increased operating costs.
Abdullahi said the impact of the economic situation is being felt by Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or geographical location.
“Food prices have soared, transportation costs have multiplied, the value of incomes and savings has been eroded, and millions of Nigerians who were managing before are now trapped in economic distress. This is not opposition propaganda. It is the daily lived experience of ordinary Nigerians in every state of the federation,” he said.
The ADC spokesman further argued that the comments by the presidential aide suggested that government officials were insulated from the realities confronting citizens.
He said a responsible government should assess its policies based on the experiences of ordinary people rather than relying on what is visible within official circles.
“What makes Mr Onanuga’s comments particularly troubling is that they reveal a government that has become tragically insular and can no longer do anything differently,” he stated.
“A sensible government does not measure the effects of its policies by merely looking at the people within its immediate circle or driving through paved roads. It must listen to the people in the markets, on the farms, in the classrooms, in the workshops and in the streets.”
According to him, if government officials are unable to see the hardship being discussed by citizens, it raises concerns about their understanding of the realities on the ground.
“If the Presidency genuinely cannot see the hunger and hardship that Nigerians are talking about, then it raises serious questions about whether it sees the people at all,” he said.
The ADC also criticised what it described as the government’s tendency to point to infrastructure projects as evidence of success while many citizens continue to battle economic difficulties.
Abdullahi acknowledged that the government often highlights road construction and other development projects as achievements but insisted that such projects alone cannot address the immediate welfare needs of the population.
“The APC government will undoubtedly point to road infrastructure projects as its achievements. While even this is debatable, the fact remains that Nigerians cannot eat roads,” he said.
“The first responsibility of any government is to create economic conditions in which citizens can afford food, find jobs, run businesses and live with dignity.”
He argued that on that score, the administration had not met public expectations.
According to him, many Nigerians believe their living conditions have worsened since the current administration took office.
“After three years of promises, excuses and appeals for patience, the reality for many Nigerians is that life is harder today than it was when this government took office,” he said.
The ADC spokesman also called on the government to be honest about the economic situation and take responsibility for the consequences of its policies.
“The ADC believes that leadership begins with honesty. The question is no longer whether Nigerians are suffering; Nigerians already know that they are,” he stated.
“The real question is whether this government is prepared to acknowledge the consequences of its policies and accept responsibility for its historic failures.”
Abdullahi warned that comments such as those made by Onanuga could further strengthen public perception that the government is out of touch with the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
“Until it does, comments such as those made by Mr Onanuga will only reinforce the growing perception that the APC government is out of touch with the people and unwilling to confront the damage that its economic policies have inflicted on ordinary Nigerians,” he added.
The latest exchange highlights the growing political debate over the state of the economy and the effectiveness of government policies. While the Federal Government maintains that its reforms are laying the foundation for long-term growth and stability, opposition parties continue to argue that the immediate impact on citizens has been severe.