Former Governor of Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, has delivered a sharp criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of leading the country with deceit and worsening the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Osunbor, who is now the National Legal Adviser of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks on Monday during his formal resumption of duties. In a strongly worded statement, he expressed concern that the APC-led government had not only failed to deliver good governance but had also endangered the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
He accused the APC of systematically misleading the Nigerian people while deepening the economic and social crises facing the country. According to him, the result of years of mismanagement is evident in the widespread poverty, hunger, and despair that now define the lives of millions across the nation.
“The level of poverty is very high, and people are looking up to ADC to rescue Nigerians from the unfortunate situation in which we find ourselves,” Osunbor stated. “Our hard-won democracy is being seriously threatened by the government in place.”
Osunbor said the current administration’s failure to improve the living conditions of the people, coupled with what he described as its disregard for democratic values, had left citizens disillusioned and desperate for change. He argued that the African Democratic Congress now represents the only credible alternative to restore trust in leadership and secure the nation’s future.
According to the former governor, the economic hardship imposed on Nigerians is not merely a consequence of global trends or unforeseen events, but a direct result of failed policies and self-serving governance by those in power.
“We are not in this race just simply to remove APC from the position they now occupy as if they are conquerors of Nigerians, but we offer credible leadership,” he said. “We know that the government should cater to the welfare and well-being, and security of the people, which is now very lacking.”
Osunbor further emphasized that the ADC’s mission goes beyond winning elections. He said the party is focused on restoring dignity to governance by prioritizing the needs of the people, ensuring that national resources are equitably distributed, and rebuilding confidence in public institutions.
He urged Nigerians to work together to bring about a transition to an ADC-led federal government and to elect ADC leaders in as many states as possible in the 2027 general elections. He expressed confidence that the party would meet the expectations of the people if given the opportunity to govern.
“We are very mindful of what we should be doing to put a smile back on the faces of Nigerians,” he added. “We know very well that Nigerians are suffering, and we know that Nigerians are looking up to us to take all necessary steps required to ensure that the government is all about people and not about personal aggrandisement or just lining your personal pocket with money.”
Osunbor accused the current government of misusing national wealth for the benefit of a privileged few, while the majority of citizens continue to face hunger, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services. He said the country’s natural and financial resources must be redirected to benefit the population at large.
“The wealth, the resources of Nigeria must go to the benefit of Nigerians, not a few,” he said.
His remarks reflect growing political frustration with the ruling party, as the economic situation in Nigeria remains precarious. Inflation, currency instability, high fuel prices, and widespread poverty have become dominant issues in national discourse, fueling anger among citizens and opposition parties.
Osunbor’s public statements add to the intensifying political debate ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition parties begin to position themselves as viable alternatives to the APC. His comments also signal the ADC’s intention to challenge the status quo and present a platform focused on transparency, accountability, and citizen welfare.
