THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of manipulating food prices and exploiting the nation’s economic hardship for political purposes.
In a statement issued today by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a misleading claim that food prices are declining as a result of improved local production.
The opposition party expressed concern over what it called “the Federal Government’s misleading narrative around the so-called drop in food prices,” insisting that the reality faced by Nigerians paints a different picture.
“Contrary to what is being celebrated in official circles, the reality on the ground, as confirmed by struggling farmers and families across the country, is that the Tinubu government is manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political gain,” Abdullahi said.
According to the ADC, the reported fall in food prices is “artificial” and largely driven by the importation of cheap foreign food items following temporary import waivers.
The party argued that this move undermines local farmers already burdened by rising input costs, insecurity, and limited access to support.
“The reported drop in prices is not evidence of sound policy or increased local production,” Abdullahi stated. “While it may bring short-term relief, it comes at the cost of sabotaging local agriculture.”
The ADC described the government’s approach as “propaganda,” claiming the current price drop is unsustainable and politically motivated rather than the result of deliberate economic planning.
It also questioned the government’s handling of food reserves, saying, “If the government insists it has not released imported food into the market, then why is it hoarding food while citizens go hungry? What kind of administration stores food during a hunger crisis?”
The party called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s agricultural strategy and urged the government to adopt policies that support genuine food security rather than short-term political optics.