Tinubu’s 90-day relief plan a scam to bait voters — ADC campaign

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused President Bola Tinubu of using his 90-day cost-of-living relief plan to bait voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the programme’s deadline falls after Nigerians would have voted.

Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the Campaign, said in a statement on Friday that the programme’s timeline raised questions about the administration’s commitment to tackling hardship, noting that the 90-day intervention is a calculated attempt to deceive the electorate.

The presidential election is 86 days away. Yet President Bola Tinubu’s National Economic Council has announced a cost-of-living plan that will run for 90 days. The arithmetic is plain: the plan ends after Nigerians have voted. After three and a half years of hardship, this government is asking families to carry another promise into the polling booth and wait for relief until the votes are counted.

The opposition spokesman also raised concerns about a registration form circulating under the name “Arise for Tinubu 2027”, which he said requested voter identification, bank details and telephone numbers, warning citizens against submitting personal or bank details to a political group to access public assistance.

The ADC campaign council also questioned Tinubu’s record on security and his response to civilian casualties and disasters in Kaduna, criticising the President for not personally visiting the community after the tragedy. He also cited reported civilian deaths in a September 2024 military airstrike in Giwa and abductions in Kajuru.

Returning to the economic plan, Shaibu demanded specific details on how the government intended to reduce food prices, harmonise taxes, complete projects, ease constraints on businesses and deliver household support within 90 days. He said the administration should publish the eligibility criteria, budget, payment arrangements and duration of the proposed household assistance, as well as identify the projects expected to be completed within the period.

Tinubu must answer two questions: Are Nigerians better off than they were in May 2023? And will they still be able to afford food on day 91 of his plan?