•ADC logo and Tinubu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned against what it described as an unfolding plunder of Nigeria’s oil wealth, calling on Nigerians to rise against the proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the planned sale of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited stakes in key joint ventures.
The party issued the warning in its 65th Independence Day message, insisting that the moves by the Tinubu-led administration amounted to “the Petroleum Industry under siege,” reports Daily Independent.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, urged civil society organisations, the National Assembly — past and present members — labour unions, and especially young Nigerians to resist the attempt, which he warned would mortgage the country’s future.
“Civil society organisations must stand firm and resist this unfolding plunder of our national resources. The National Assembly, both current members and those who have served before, must reject any attempt to amend the Petroleum Industry Act in ways that serve private or political interests over the public good.
“Labour unions, particularly those in the vital oil and gas sector, must act decisively to protect our national sovereignty and strategic assets. And to the young people of Nigeria—those who will bear the long-term consequences of today’s decisions—we urge you to organise, speak out, and demand full transparency and accountability,” Abdullahi declared.
He stressed that “At 65, Nigeria must not stand for power, profit, or politics. Nigeria must stand for the people.”
The party, in its anniversary address titled, ‘Nigeria at 65: Standing Against the Plunder of Our National Wealth,’ recalled Nigeria’s historic struggle for independence, praising the resilience of its people through decades of civil war, military rule, economic booms and downturns.
“Sixty-five years ago, our founding fathers took the bold step of reclaiming our destiny. Since then, through civil war, military rule, democratic transitions, economic booms and downturns, the Nigerian spirit has endured. That spirit — resilient, creative, and unyielding — is what binds us today.”
While saluting workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, educators, youths, and professionals for keeping faith with the Nigerian dream, he said the nation’s anniversary was unfortunately overshadowed by widespread hardship, insecurity, and loss of faith in government.
The ADC blamed President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for worsening Nigeria’s crises, noting that instead of “renewed hope,” Nigerians were facing inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and poverty.
“At 65, our nation is staggering under the failures of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). We face an acute convergence of crises: economic hardship, spiraling insecurity, and a growing loss of public faith in government. The promise of renewed hope has given way to widespread disillusionment,” the party said.
On insecurity, the ADC accused the APC government of failing to protect Nigerians, noting that Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, and kidnappings continued to terrorise different regions, even reaching Abuja.
The ADC also accused the government of elitism and arrogance, saying the administration had become disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens.
Turning to the controversial oil industry reforms, the ADC aligned with labour unions — NUPENG and PENGASSAN — which had written to President Tinubu rejecting the planned amendments and sales.
“If we sell off our oil assets, we are not just parting with numbers on a balance sheet — we are surrendering the lifeblood of our economy and the backbone of our national sovereignty,” the party warned.
