APC accuses ADC of misleading Nigerians over poverty report, defends Tinubu’s reforms The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the opposition party of misleading Nigerians over a report indicating that the country’s poverty rate has risen to 63 percent. In a statement signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party dismissed the ADC’s criticism as a misrepresentation of the findings of the report and described the opposition’s position as a reflection of poor understanding of the ongoing economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The disagreement followed the ADC’s reaction to a policy dialogue report by Agora Policy, which noted that the country’s poverty rate had increased from 49 percent to 63 percent. The ADC had cited the report as evidence of worsening economic conditions under the current administration. However, the APC argued that the same report acknowledged the need for structural reforms to address longstanding distortions in Nigeria’s economy. According to the ruling party, the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were necessary to correct deep-rooted fiscal and monetary imbalances. Defending the government’s policy direction, Felix Morka said the administration’s decision in May 2023 to remove fuel subsidy and unify foreign exchange rates was aimed at addressing systemic weaknesses in the economy. He described the previous arrangements as financially unsustainable, noting that they created opportunities for corruption, fuel smuggling across borders and significant revenue losses for the country. Morka stated that the policies had placed heavy pressure on government finances and at one point consumed a substantial portion of national revenue. While acknowledging that the reforms initially created economic hardship for many Nigerians, he said such adjustments are often inevitable when major economic restructuring is undertaken. According to him, the policy changes were necessary steps to reposition the economy and move the country away from prolonged economic stagnation. The APC also criticised the ADC for what it described as the absence of a clear policy direction or alternative economic programme. Morka accused leaders of the opposition party of focusing on political attacks instead of presenting workable solutions to national challenges. He argued that Nigerians would not be persuaded by criticism that lacks practical policy alternatives. To support its position, the ruling party cited several macroeconomic indicators which it said reflect gradual recovery in the economy. According to the APC, Nigeria’s economy recorded a growth rate of 4.4 percent last year and is projected to expand by 5.5 percent in the current fiscal year. The party also stated that the country’s foreign reserves have risen significantly, reaching more than $50 billion, which it described as the highest level in nearly two decades. The statement further noted that inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, with headline inflation trending downward and food inflation currently at its lowest level in over a decade. The APC added that non-oil exports exceeded $6 billion in 2025, describing the development as an indication of gradual diversification of the country’s export earnings. According to the party, increased revenue allocations are now being distributed to states and local governments, enabling subnational administrations to implement development projects and social programmes at the grassroots level. The ruling party also highlighted a number of social protection initiatives introduced to reduce the impact of economic reforms on citizens. These include cash transfer programmes, student loan schemes and the ongoing rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives designed to reduce transportation costs and provide alternative energy options. The APC said the measures were part of broader efforts to strengthen household resilience while the government continues to implement economic reforms. The party assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains committed to rebuilding the economy and laying a sustainable foundation for future growth.