Opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday accused the federal government of worsening poverty, rising public debt and insecurity, warning that current policies are pushing Nigerians deeper into hardship.
The leaders, who spoke at a gathering of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), also criticised the country’s tax regime and questioned the impact of recent economic reforms.
Poverty, Debt Indicators Worsening — Obi
Obi said Nigeria is “drifting” and cited worsening economic indicators to support his claims. According to him, poverty has risen sharply from about 41.6 per cent—roughly 88 million people—to 63 per cent, or about 140 million Nigerians.
He also said the country’s debt has increased significantly, from about ₦87 trillion under the previous administration to nearly ₦200 trillion, despite the removal of fuel subsidy.
“Your country is collapsing. If you allow it to go further, it will be worse,” Obi said, calling for urgent action and national unity.
Tax Burden Will Hurt Businesses — Amaechi
Amaechi, in his remarks, focused on the impact of taxation, warning that rising fiscal pressure on businesses could further weaken the economy.
“Company tax is now 30 per cent. It means if you have 100 million, they will take 30 million,” he said.
He argued that higher taxes, combined with rising operating costs, could limit business expansion, reduce employment and worsen living conditions.
“Wait until they start collecting annual company tax, you will see what will happen. Nobody can buy petrol, nobody can feed,” Amaechi added.
The former minister also accused the government of undermining democratic norms, alleging that state institutions are being used against citizens and opposition voices.
“They are using the institutions of government against the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Call for Genuine Change — Atiku
Atiku called for “genuine and sincere change,” arguing that Nigeria’s economic and institutional systems have deteriorated across multiple sectors.
“Our economy gone, our sovereignty gone, our security gone, our education gone,” he said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to demand accountability and take ownership of the country’s future.
“This country has been good to us, but it is not being good to the youth and future generations,” he said.
INEC Under Fire
The former vice president also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body is being used to undermine democracy.
“It is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country,” he said.
Atiku warned that opposition figures would resist any attempt to weaken democratic processes.
“We fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight to restore it,” he added.
All three leaders questioned whether recent reforms, including subsidy removal and tax adjustments, have delivered expected benefits, particularly in improving living standards or easing fiscal pressures.
They also called for greater unity among opposition figures ahead of future elections, stressing that competence should take priority over ethnic or religious considerations.
