The African Democratic Congress has accused the Bola Tinubu-led federal government of artificially lowering food prices through imports to gain political advantage, while undermining local farmers. The party claims this approach weaponises hunger and ignores ongoing insecurity and high input costs affecting agriculture. It calls for a complete overhaul of Nigeria's agricultural policies to ensure food sovereignty.
On October 27, 2025, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) issued a statement criticizing the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for what it described as manipulative tactics in managing food prices. Signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the statement highlighted the government's claims of declining food prices as misleading and driven by import waivers that flood the market with cheap foreign goods.
The ADC argued that this artificial drop sabotages local production, as farmers—particularly in northern Nigeria—face displacement from banditry and unaffordable costs for fertilizers and other inputs. "The reported drop in the prices of some food items is artificial, and a result of import waivers that have flooded the market with cheap foreign food," the statement read. "It is neither evidence of sound policy nor proof of increased local production. And while that may offer momentary relief in food prices, it has, and will, come at the heavy cost of sabotaging local farmers who can no longer compete due to soaring input costs, especially fertilisers, and worsening insecurity."
The party questioned the government's reported increase in domestic production, calling it dishonest amid rural insecurity. "How can production be increasing when the rural economy is under siege by bandits, and the costs of planting are now beyond the reach of the average farmer?" it asked, labeling the narrative as propaganda for short-term political gains.
Furthermore, the ADC challenged claims that imported food has not been released, asking why it is hoarded during a hunger crisis. The party condemned the weaponisation of hunger and urged policies to protect local producers, stabilize prices, safeguard farmers' lives, and pursue long-term food sovereignty. "We must protect local producers, address rural insecurity, and invest in long-term food sovereignty, not temporary political optics," the statement concluded. "The Nigerian people deserve truth and food, not manipulation and a false narrative of renewed hope."