APC using statistics to tell lies, fighting on all fronts — Dele Momodu
By Adegboyega Adeleye
The Deputy Director-General of Media and Communications for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign, Dele Momodu, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating economic data to mislead the Nigerian public. He contends that President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces criticism from international organizations while struggling to maintain public trust ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu, a supporter of ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, expressed his views on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday. He scrutinized the government’s presentation of economic statistics and questioned the integrity of the electoral process.
“I saw the speech of an Emir in the North,” Momodu remarked. “They were told the brutal truth that you should never lie to the people. What the APC is doing today is using those statistics to tell falsehoods, claiming that the World Bank and IMF are on their side.”
He further criticized the government for responding defensively to assessments from international institutions when those evaluations express concerns about Nigeria’s economic trajectory and borrowing practices.
“When the World Bank raises alarms about Nigeria’s direction or loans, the government attacks them,” he stated. “If The Economist publishes a critical assessment, the administration also retaliates. They are fighting on multiple fronts.”
Momodu also raised concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the body to release the voters’ register for public scrutiny. He questioned the figures cited for registered voters and party membership, suggesting that it could obscure the actual political landscape.
“For INEC, it is mandatory to publish the voters’ register,” he said. “They claim we have 103 million registered voters, yet an APC senator boasted that they have 12 million party members. If INEC’s figures are accurate, how can 12 million people dictate the outcome for 103 million?”
He categorized the politically unaffiliated individuals as the “floaters party,” asserting their potential impact on the election.
“What that indicates is that the largest political party in Nigeria is not the APC or ADC; it is the floaters party, which is currently expressing discontent over their challenging living conditions,” he added.
Momodu criticized the government for a perceived lack of sincerity in its economic management, asserting that officials communicate only what they believe the president wants to hear.
“What is missing in this government is sincerity,” he said. “Those managing the economy are not providing an honest account to the president. When he eventually realizes the full extent of the issues, it may be too late.”
When asked how the opposition might defeat Tinubu in the upcoming election, Momodu pointed to economic hardship as a decisive factor, regardless of the ruling party’s support.
“There is no scenario that can overcome hunger,” he remarked. “Bola Tinubu can rally all the governors behind him, but the reality on the ground remains.”
