FORMER Katsina State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Aminu Bello Masari, has dismissed the opposition African Democratic Congress as lacking fresh ideas or new faces, insisting that its leading figures are long-time political actors with no novel solutions for Nigerians.
News Point Nigeria reports that Masari made the remarks on Friday while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the APC National Convention at Eagle Square in Abuja.
The former governor questioned the credibility of the ADC’s claim to represent a new political alternative, arguing that most of its prominent members have held public office for years.
“Who was not in government? Tell me. Some for 20 years, some for 15 years, eight years. Is there anybody new?” Masari said.
“You have not shown me anybody new in this business that we don’t know, that we have not participated with, or that we have not contested elections against.”
The ADC has recently attracted several high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
These figures have been vocal critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of worsening economic conditions and increasing hardship among Nigerians.
Despite rising opposition criticism, Masari expressed confidence in the ruling party’s popularity, maintaining that the APC remains the dominant political force in Nigeria.
“In terms of popularity, APC is number one, whatever the permutations,” he said.
He added that the party is fully prepared for the 2027 elections and is not intimidated by emerging opposition coalitions.
“As a party, we are not afraid. We are very ready,” Masari declared.
Masari also echoed recent comments by President Tinubu urging Nigerians to hold all levels of government accountable, not just the presidency.
“The problem in Nigeria is that we don’t situate problems where they belong,” he said.
“Certain problems are local and belong to the local government; others are federal in nature, but you lump them all on the head of the President.”
The former lawmaker further defended the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.
According to him, the policy has corrected long-standing distortions in the oil sector and increased revenue available to all tiers of government.
“Even Americans have subsidies on energy. We have removed all the distortions in the oil market, and people are getting value for their money,” he said.
“More money is now coming to the state, local, and federal governments for development. Previously, that money was going into the hands of a few individuals.”