By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria is experiencing a level of hardship “never seen before”, and the greater danger lies in the refusal of leaders to acknowledge the suffering of millions, according to Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Politics Today, Abdullahi said economic pressures, soaring living costs and worsening social conditions have pushed citizens into unprecedented distress — a situation he argues is being downplayed by those in power.
“The kind of hardship Nigerians are faced with today is unprecedented,” he said. “But more importantly is the denial of the reality of the majority of the people.”
The opposition spokesperson criticised what he described as government narratives that do not reflect the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians, saying policymakers must first recognise the depth of the crisis before proposing workable solutions.
Abdullahi warned that continued denial only widens the gap between leaders and citizens, fuelling frustration and eroding public trust.
His comments come at a time of rising inflation, currency instability and growing discontent nationwide. Economists and civil society groups have repeatedly called for immediate policy interventions to cushion the impact on households.
The government has yet to issue a formal response to Abdullahi’s remarks.
