A group, Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI), has criticised Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over his recent remarks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate.
Abdullahi had claimed that President Tinubu’s tenure would end in 2027 and that Nigerians would not wish to see it extended.
In a statement issued by its national coordinator, Samaila Musa, the GMI described the comments as misleading, presumptuous and out of touch with the realities on the ground.
Musa said, “We are compelled to challenge Abdullahi’s assertions, which not only misrepresent the realities of governance under President Tinubu but also reflect a disconcerting disconnect from the sentiments of the Nigerian populace.
“First, Abdullahi’s claim that Nigerians would not wish to extend President Tinubu’s tenure by even a single day is presumptuous and misleading. The reality on the ground is far more nuanced than he suggests.
“While it is true that our nation faces significant challenges, including banditry, insecurity, and economic hardship, it is equally valid that the current administration is actively addressing these issues.
“President Tinubu’s government has demonstrated a commitment to combating the scourge of insecurity and implementing economic reforms that are beginning to yield positive results.
“Abdullahi’s assertion that the government should prepare to vacate office in 2027, should it fail to manage these challenges effectively, is a stark oversimplification. It disregards the complexities of governance and the ongoing efforts to stabilise and uplift our nation.”
He noted that the Tinubu government has taken decisive steps to strengthen national security and dismantle criminal networks, while also introducing economic reforms aimed at stimulating growth, creating jobs, and easing hardship.
The group maintained that Abdullahi’s remarks oversimplify governance and ignore the “palpable shift towards recovery” witnessed nationwide.
The GMI believes this progress should be acknowledged and celebrated rather than dismissed to score political points. Abdullahi’s failure to recognise these advancements suggests a troubling detachment from the realities the average Nigerian faces.
He added, “Abdullahi’s comments regarding punitive taxes and the economic hardships faced by Nigerians fail to recognise the broader context of the global financial landscape.
“The challenges Nigeria faces today are not solely a product of this administration; they are compounded by years of systemic issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic downturns.
“The Tinubu administration is working diligently to implement economic reforms to lead to a more prosperous Nigeria. These reforms are not instantaneous; they require time, patience, and collective effort from all stakeholders, including the opposition parties.
“Moreover, we must address the legitimacy of Abdullahi’s position within the ADC. His self-appointed role as the spokesperson for a party that has struggled to establish a coherent identity raises questions about his authority to speak on behalf of its members.
“The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative asserts that Abdullahi’s comments are not representative of the views or sentiments of the broader ADC base. Instead, they reflect his personal ambitions and an opportunistic approach to politics that disregards the people’s collective will.
“It is essential for political leaders and representatives to engage with the realities of governance and the lived experiences of citizens. Abdullahi’s rhetoric, which seeks to undermine the current administration, does a disservice to the democratic process.
“It is crucial for opposition voices to contribute constructively to the national discourse, offering solutions rather than merely critiques. In this context, the GMI urges Abdullahi and the ADC to adopt a more responsible and realistic approach to their political engagements.
“The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative stands firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s efforts to navigate our nation’s challenges.
“We believe that the President’s mandate should be respected and that any discussions regarding tenure extensions should be grounded in the realities of governance and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Reaffirming its support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, the GMI urged Abdullahi and other opposition figures to engage responsibly in national discourse, while pledging to continue advocating for policies that benefit Nigerians.
“The GMI remains committed to advocating for the interests of Nigerians and fostering a political environment that prioritises constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.”