ADC Rallies National Grit as Economic Storm Shadows Christmas Celebrations

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a sobering yet stirring call for national solidarity, urging Nigerians to anchor their festive celebrations in unity and compassion despite a landscape of severe economic hardship and persistent security threats. In a Christmas communiqué released by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the party stripped away the usual political veneer to acknowledge a uncomfortable truth: for millions of citizens, the holidays have been eclipsed by survival.

The message arrives at a time when the Nigerian lived experience is defined by staggering numbers. As of mid-December 2025, headline inflation has gripped the nation at approximately 34.8%, while food inflation continues to suffocate purchasing power at nearly 40%. The ADC’s statement did not shy away from these realities, noting that the season is being observed under “harsh conditions” where the cost of basic staples—like a 50kg bag of rice—now exceeds the national minimum wage of ₦70,000.

Abdullahi emphasized that the party remains “mindful” of the deep-seated doubts currently plaguing the Nigerian psyche. With the naira trading at roughly ₦1,450 to ₦1,500 per dollar, the party observed that a “deep and disturbing doubt” about the nation’s future has taken root in many homes. Yet, the ADC argued that the true measure of Nigeria’s strength is found in its collective resilience, which transcends the current fiscal turbulence and religious boundaries.

The tone of the message turned somber as the party addressed a tragic breach of security on the eve of the holiday. The ADC called for a national moment of prayer for the victims of a Christmas Eve bombing at the Al-Adum mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State. The attack, which claimed at least five lives and left over 35 worshippers injured, was described by the party as a “poignant reminder” that insecurity remains a blind predator that “threatens us all, regardless of the language we speak or how we worship God.”

In a move to foster social cohesion, the ADC extended its gratitude to the “unsung guardians” of the season. The party specifically lauded security personnel and healthcare workers who remained at their posts while the rest of the country celebrated. This gesture of appreciation for those on duty underscored the party’s call for a leadership anchored in “conscience, empathy, and love of the people,” suggesting that the current administrative framework requires a more human-centric overhaul.

The communiqué concluded with a dual plea for divine intervention and structural change. The ADC urged Nigerians to pray for an end to the “suffering in our land,” while simultaneously advocating for a compassionate leadership that can navigate the country out of its current despair. As the nation prepares to cross the threshold into 2026, the party’s message serves as a reminder that while the economy may be in retreat, the Nigerian spirit of solidarity remains the country’s most durable asset.