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African Democratic Congress criticizes President Tinubu's Democracy Day speech as lacking concrete answers
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The African Democratic Congress ADC has criticized President Bola Tinubu's Democracy Day address, describing it as an admission of the All Progressives Congress's APC failure to deliver on promises after more than a decade in power. The opposition party stated that Tinubu's speech was "another campaign speech masquerading as a presidential address," arguing that Nigerians require tangible results instead of new assurances on economic recovery, security, and job creation. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the performance of both Tinubu's administration and the APC government since 2015. The party noted that the speech was "long on promises and short on answers," resembling a candidate's address rather than that of a government in its fourth year. The ADC accused the President of failing to account for his administration's performance on a day commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The party highlighted that issues like insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and economic decline, which the APC promised to address in 2015, remain significant challenges. The ADC also criticized the administration's focus on future prospects while many Nigerians face severe economic hardship, including high food prices and soaring transportation costs. The party argued that Democracy Day should have been an opportunity for the President to explain the APC's stewardship over the last decade, rather than presenting a "catalogue of fu
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Members of the Take-It-Back Movement in Kwara State staged a peaceful protest in Ilorin, demanding the immediate rescue of residents abducted across various communities and issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the government. The protesters marched from Tanke Junction to the Government House, highlighting concerns over rising kidnappings and violent attacks in areas like Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun, and Kwara South. Saidu Tsaragi, the Kwara State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, stated that insecurity has made Democracy Day meaningless for families with loved ones in captivity, citing seven people from Yaashikira and others from Edu, Patigi, and Kwara South still held. He urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to rescue the victims or resign. Protesters criticized the government for not prioritizing the plight of abducted residents and failing in its constitutional duty to protect citizens. They warned of escalating actions, including wider mobilization across Kwara State and a call for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, if their demands are not met within 72 hours. The movement emphasized that the protest is not politically motivated but driven by concern over increasing kidnappings and vowed to return to the Government House if their demands are not met.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has issued a stern warning against insecurity and violent extremism, stating that "terrorists and merchants of public anxiety" will not be tolerated in the state. In his Democracy Day address, Governor Otti emphasized the government's commitment to resisting individuals or groups who exploit public fear for personal or political gain. He stressed that the fight against insecurity requires firm and coordinated action, deploying all lawful means to confront terrorism and protect vulnerable populations, especially children. Otti also cautioned against the underlying conditions that enable extremism, urging a confrontation of economic and political misconduct alongside violent crime. He highlighted the importance of denouncing economic and political greed, sectarianism, and other behaviors incompatible with democratic values. Reflecting on Nigeria's democratic journey, the governor called for reflection and recalibration rather than blame, acknowledging public frustration with governance outcomes. Despite the disillusionment, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the democratic project, emphasizing perseverance and long-term commitment to national development. Otti also reflected on Nigeria's return to civilian rule, describing the period between 1993 and 1999 as one defined by sacrifice and resilience. He affirmed that democracy, while imperfect, remains the most viable system of governance. The governor further highlighted his administration's eff
The 2026 World Cup is facing a lack of enthusiasm in the United States, with high ticket prices and visa denials for some fan delegations contributing to the subdued atmosphere. Many fans, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed concerns over the cost of tickets, with some exceeding $1,000 for the opening match. Arvin Baines, an England fan, noted that many of his friends decided not to travel due to expenses. Thomas Shaw, another British fan, found it too expensive to attend multiple games despite using loyalty points for his son's ticket. Additionally, official fan delegations from Ivory Coast and Senegal will not be present due to US visa denials, as stated by Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of Ivory Coast鈥檚 National Committee of Elephants Supporters. In New York, local interest appears to be more focused on the Knicks basketball team. However, some anticipate excitement will grow if the US team advances in the tournament. Co-hosts Mexico and Canada are reportedly showing higher levels of enthusiasm.