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In a bold and unequivocal statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of Nigeria’s opposition political parties, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to limit his presidency to a single term and step down in 2027 when his current tenure expires. The pronouncement, made on September 23, 2025, comes against the backdrop of mounting economic challenges, widespread public discontent, and growing concerns over the administration’s policies. The ADC’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some Nigerians who are grappling with the effects of rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and perceived governance missteps.
The ADC’s National Chairman, Ralphs Okey Nwosu, delivered the statement during a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, where he articulated the party’s position on the state of the nation. Nwosu emphasized that the ADC believes President Tinubu’s administration has failed to deliver on its promises of economic recovery and improved living standards, asserting that the president should not seek re-election in 2027. “We are calling on President Tinubu to be a statesman, serve his four years, and leave office honorably in 2027,” Nwosu said. “The Nigerian people deserve leadership that prioritizes their welfare, not one that deepens their suffering.”
Contextualizing the ADC’s Call
The African Democratic Congress, founded in 2005, has positioned itself as a progressive political party in Nigeria’s complex and often polarized political landscape. Though not as dominant as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the ADC has gained traction in recent years by advocating for good governance, transparency, and policies that address the needs of ordinary Nigerians. The party’s latest remarks are part of its broader strategy to assert its relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections, where it hopes to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, after winning the 2023 presidential election, has faced significant challenges during his tenure. His administration inherited an economy plagued by high inflation, a depreciating naira, and a heavy debt burden. To address these issues, Tinubu introduced sweeping economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of Nigeria’s foreign exchange rates. While these policies were intended to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment, they have triggered immediate hardships for millions of Nigerians, particularly the working class and low-income households.
The removal of fuel subsidies, announced shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration, led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, with pump prices rising from approximately ₦200 per liter to over ₦600 in some regions. This, in turn, drove up the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. The naira’s devaluation, following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to float the currency, further eroded purchasing power, with the exchange rate against the US dollar deteriorating significantly. By September 2025, the naira had lost over 50% of its value since Tinubu took office, making imported goods prohibitively expensive for many Nigerians.
Economic Hardships Fuel Public Discontent
The ADC’s call for Tinubu to serve only one term resonates with a significant portion of the Nigerian populace, who have expressed frustration with the economic situation. Inflation rates have soared to double digits, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting an inflation rate of 32.15% in August 2025, one of the highest in recent decades. Food inflation, a critical concern for most households, has been particularly severe, with prices of staples like rice, beans, and yam doubling in many markets. The rising cost of living has sparked protests and strikes, with labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), demanding government intervention to cushion the effects of the reforms.
Beyond economic challenges, the ADC highlighted issues of governance and accountability. Nwosu criticized the Tinubu administration for what he described as “policy flip-flops” and a lack of clear direction in addressing insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructural decay. Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including banditry in the northwest, insurgency in the northeast, and separatist agitations in the southeast. These security challenges have disrupted agricultural activities, contributing to food shortages and further driving up prices.
The ADC also pointed to the growing perception of disconnect between the government and the people. Public trust in institutions has eroded as citizens question the transparency of government spending and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. For instance, controversies surrounding the allocation of funds for infrastructure projects and palliatives to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal have fueled allegations of mismanagement and favoritism.
Political Implications of the ADC’s Statement
The ADC’s declaration that Tinubu should not seek a second term is a strategic move to position the party as a viable alternative in the 2027 elections. By openly challenging the president’s leadership, the ADC aims to galvanize support from disaffected voters, particularly young Nigerians who played a significant role in the 2023 elections. The party’s leadership has consistently emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders who prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
However, the ADC faces an uphill battle in a political landscape dominated by the APC and PDP, which have deeper financial resources and broader grassroots networks. Political analysts suggest that the ADC’s call for Tinubu to step down may resonate with urban voters and the youth demographic but could struggle to gain traction in rural areas, where political loyalties are often influenced by patronage and ethnic considerations.
The statement also underscores the growing polarization in Nigerian politics. Tinubu, a veteran politician and former governor of Lagos State, has built a formidable political machine through the APC, which controls a majority of Nigeria’s 36 states. His supporters argue that his reforms, though painful, are necessary to address decades of economic mismanagement and set Nigeria on a path to long-term prosperity. They point to initiatives like the student loan scheme, infrastructure investments, and efforts to boost local manufacturing as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to transformative governance.
Critics, however, contend that the administration’s policies have disproportionately burdened the poor while failing to deliver tangible results. The ADC’s statement taps into this narrative, framing Tinubu’s presidency as one that has lost touch with the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. By calling for a one-term presidency, the ADC is not only challenging Tinubu but also signaling to other opposition parties the need for a united front to unseat the APC in 2027.
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Political and Economic Trajectory
The ADC’s remarks must be viewed within the broader context of Nigeria’s political and economic challenges. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has experienced cycles of hope and disillusionment, with successive administrations struggling to address systemic issues such as corruption, poverty, and inequality. The country’s dependence on oil revenue has made it vulnerable to global market fluctuations, while poor governance and weak institutions have hindered diversification efforts.
Tinubu’s presidency was initially greeted with optimism by some, given his reputation as a shrewd administrator who transformed Lagos into Nigeria’s economic hub during his tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007. His campaign slogan, “Renewed Hope,” promised to tackle insecurity, create jobs, and stabilize the economy. However, the reality of governing a nation of over 200 million people with diverse ethnic and religious identities has proven far more complex.
The economic reforms introduced by Tinubu align with recommendations from international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, which have long advocated for market-driven policies in Nigeria. Yet, the social cost of these reforms has sparked debates about their timing and implementation. Critics argue that the government failed to put in place adequate safety nets to protect vulnerable populations before implementing subsidy removal and currency devaluation.
The ADC’s call for Tinubu to step down in 2027 also raises questions about the future of Nigerian democracy. The country’s democratic journey since 1999 has been marked by significant milestones, including the peaceful transfer of power between parties in 2015. However, challenges such as electoral violence, vote-buying, and voter apathy remain persistent. The ADC’s statement could serve as a rallying cry for those who believe that Nigeria needs a fresh approach to governance, but it also risks deepening divisions in an already polarized polity.
Public Reaction and the Road to 2027
Public reaction to the ADC’s statement has been mixed, reflecting the diverse perspectives within Nigeria’s population. On social media platforms like X, some users have expressed support for the ADC’s position, arguing that Tinubu’s policies have worsened their living conditions. Others, however, have dismissed the ADC’s call as premature, noting that Tinubu has nearly two years left in his term to demonstrate results. Supporters of the president have also accused the ADC of engaging in political opportunism, using the economic hardship narrative to score cheap points.
The 2027 elections are still over a year away, but the ADC’s statement signals the beginning of what promises to be a contentious electoral season. Other opposition parties, including the PDP and the Labour Party, are also positioning themselves to challenge the APC. The Labour Party, in particular, gained significant momentum in the 2023 elections, driven by the candidacy of Peter Obi, whose appeal among young voters disrupted the traditional dominance of the APC and PDP.
For the ADC to translate its rhetoric into electoral success, it will need to build a broad coalition that transcends regional and ethnic divides. The party’s focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and inclusive governance could resonate with Nigeria’s growing population of young voters, who make up over 60% of the electorate. However, it must also address the structural challenges of Nigeria’s electoral system, including the high cost of political campaigns and the influence of money in politics.
Tinubu’s Response and Future Prospects
As of September 24, 2025, President Tinubu has not directly responded to the ADC’s statement. However, sources close to the presidency suggest that the administration remains focused on implementing its economic agenda, with plans to roll out additional palliatives and infrastructure projects in the coming months. The government has also intensified efforts to address insecurity, with recent military operations targeting bandit strongholds in the northwest.
Tinubu’s ability to navigate the current economic and political challenges will likely determine his political future. If the administration can stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and deliver on key infrastructure projects, it could regain public confidence. However, persistent hardships and governance failures could bolster the opposition’s case, making the ADC’s call for a one-term presidency a reality.
Conclusion
The African Democratic Congress’s call for President Bola Tinubu to serve only one term and exit in 2027 is a significant moment in Nigeria’s political discourse. It reflects the growing frustration with economic hardships and governance challenges under Tinubu’s administration. While the ADC’s statement may not immediately alter the political landscape, it underscores the need for accountability and responsive leadership in Nigeria.
As the 2027 elections approach, the ADC and other opposition parties will need to articulate a clear vision for Nigeria’s future, addressing the aspirations of a population weary of unfulfilled promises. For President Tinubu, the challenge is to deliver tangible results that restore public trust and demonstrate that his reforms are bearing fruit. The coming years will be critical in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic trajectory, with the ADC’s bold pronouncement serving as a reminder of the high stakes involved.