ADC, NDC question the launch of household empowerment projects carried out by FG ​​ahead of elections

The country’s opposition political parties have slammed the Federal Government over the recent launch of the $1 billion Household Empowerment and Prosperity Social Protection Project which they allege is designed to sway voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The parties, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) questioned the timing of the program, which was launched in Abuja on Wednesday.

Launched under the theme “From Palliative to Pathway,” the federal government said the initiative targets vulnerable households by improving beneficiary identification, providing immediate support during economic shocks and creating a pathway for households to escape poverty.

The program was unveiled by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who said that many families continued to face hardship despite the ongoing reforms, and stressed that the HOPE-SP project would provide “immediate stabilization assistance” while putting vulnerable households on a path to recovery, empowerment and self-reliance.

The Federal Government said the program will target about 7.6 million vulnerable households, with eligible beneficiaries expected to receive a digital shock response payment of N40,000. Beneficiaries must be selected from the National Social Register and verified with their National Identification Number.

The launch also saw the launch of other components of the government’s new social protection architecture, including the One Humanity Poverty Alleviation System, the Emergency Cash Transfer Program and the ministry’s blueprint for humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.

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However, opposition parties say the timing of the new intervention raises questions, especially considering the 2027 elections are less than a year away.

ADC described the $1 billion program as a reaction to the economic hardships experienced by Nigerians under the Tinubu administration and linked its launch to the growing popularity of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar who proposed targeted production subsidies.

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday, the party questioned why the new government was now making such a large financial commitment to social protection after years of complaints from Nigerians about rising food, transport and energy costs.

The party said the government previously insisted there was not enough funding to cushion the impact of economic reforms, but it has now provided $1 billion for new interventions ahead of the election.

“Why do poor groups only become visible when their voices become valuable?” ADC asked.

The party also questioned the funding and administrative structure of the program, particularly the role of the First Lady in exposing the Federal Government’s intervention.

“Is this a Federal Government program or a First Lady project?” the party asked, demanding clarification regarding the heads of the budget or financing arrangements under which the funds were approved, the institutions responsible for accounting for the funds and who will ultimately be accountable to the Auditor General and the National Assembly.

ADC said it supports genuine efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians, but argued that palliative medicine cannot replace policies that restore purchasing power and expand economic opportunities.

They further accused the government of seeking to address the impact of its economic policies through what it described as politically motivated interventions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NDC said it welcomed any interventions aimed at improving the well-being of Nigerians, but questioned the timing of the launch of HOPE-SP.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Director Osa, said the close proximity of the elections meant the development was open to political interpretation.

“We welcome any steps aimed at addressing the challenges facing our people. However, with elections just months away, one may wonder why the government has only recently recognized the need for this intervention.

“The timing will certainly raise questions that the ruling party and the ruling government may not want to answer,” he said.