The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has challenged Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Director-General of President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, to explain what Nigerians have gained from the trillions of naira saved from petrol subsidy removal.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Sunday, ADC said Yari’s position matters because he is the one tasked with convincing Nigerians to give Tinubu another 4 years in 2027.

The party noted that since subsidy removal in May 2023, FAAC disbursements have risen sharply. Citing figures attributed to Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele, ADC said subsidy removal and FX reforms generated about *₦15.8 trillion in additional resources* between June 2023 and December 2025.

Of that, ₦5.4 trillion went to the federal government, ₦5.4 trillion to states, and ₦3.9 trillion to local governments. States alone received ₦47.25 trillion between 2023 and 2025, with monthly FAAC now crossing ₦2 trillion compared to less than ₦1 trillion before.

However, ADC argued that while government revenue soared, Nigerians became poorer. Petrol rose from about ₦185/litre in May 2023 to over ₦1,300/litre by August 2025. Food inflation crossed 40% at some point, and transport costs surged. The promised CNG mass transit has also not reached Nigerians at scale.

“If the president’s re-election message is that Nigerians must accept today’s hardship as permanent and anyone promising relief is a liar, then Nigerians must be seriously concerned,” ADC said.

The party also accused the government of borrowing more despite higher allocations, saying about 20 states borrowed ₦458 billion in 2025 alone.

ADC challenged the APC to “publish the projects” funded with the extra money. “Show Nigerians the schools, hospitals, roads, and mass-transit systems that their sacrifice paid for,” the statement read.

Separately, ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the continued rise in petrol prices despite falling crude prices. Through his aide Phrank Shaibu, Atiku called Tinubu’s economic policy “a conveyor belt transferring pain from government directly into Nigerian homes.”

Atiku also criticized Tinubu’s 3-week vacation in Europe starting August 30, saying it showed insensitivity while families struggle with high costs.

Atiku denied the Presidency’s claim that his alternative subsidy plan would cost ₦22 trillion, calling it “arithmetic vandalism.” He said his proposal is targeted, transparent, and tied to domestic refining.

“The 2027 election will not be about who shouted ‘liar’ the loudest. It will be about who can put food on Nigerians’ tables, create jobs, provide security, and reduce the cost of living,” ADC concluded.

Source: Arise News