The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Presidency of misleading Nigerians with its recently released “Infrastructure Equity” report, describing it as propaganda designed to cover up nepotism and inequitable project distribution.
In a statement issued Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that the Tinubu administration’s report not only reinforced public suspicion of exclusionary governance but also revealed “a disturbing comfort with fake news and manipulated evidence.”
The controversy began after Daily Trust reported that Lagos State had received ₦3.9 trillion worth of projects in just two years, sparking allegations of favoritism toward the South-West. While the Presidency dismissed the report as “sensational,” Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, insisted that infrastructure distribution under President Bola Tinubu was broad-based and inclusive.
The government subsequently released an infographic listing projects across the country, claiming that the North benefited more than the South. But the ADC said the list was riddled with “errors, duplications, and deliberate misclassifications.”
“Take the Damaturu–Maiduguri road, for example,” the ADC stated. “It was wrongly categorized as a North-West project, despite both cities being in the North-East. Similarly, the Lokoja–Okene dualisation project, which belongs in the North-Central, was falsely placed under the North-West. Several projects were even counted twice—once in their rightful region and again under the North-West.”
The party alleged that the misrepresentations were part of a broader attempt to paper over nepotism and cronyism in the award of federal contracts. It also criticized the government for recycling projects initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari and presenting them as new Tinubu achievements.
The ADC further questioned why contract costs and procurement details remain hidden from the public. “What is the cost of the Badagry – Sokoto Highway? Who are the contractors? What procedures were followed? Why are projects in opposition strongholds left to rot while others are lavishly funded?” the statement asked.
The party warned that selective disclosure and propaganda would only deepen Nigeria’s divisions at a time when unity is most needed.