The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over its growing debts to local contractors and pensioners, describing the situation as a clear indication of insensitivity to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that it is ready to join ongoing protests by contractors and pensioners if the government fails to act promptly.

The ADC expressed deep concern over the plight of local contractors who have been stationed for weeks at the Federal Ministry of Finance, carrying coffins to symbolize the collapse of their businesses due to unpaid debts.

Pensioners, who have threatened to protest naked if their unpaid arrears are not addressed, were also highlighted as victims of what the party termed government neglect.

“We stand in strong solidarity with pensioners threatening to march naked in protest if the Federal Government does not settle long-overdue pensions. No responsible government allows matters to deteriorate to the point where citizens must resort to coffins and nudity to be heard. This situation underscores the insensitivity of the APC-led administration to the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and the nation’s image,” the statement said.

The ADC questioned the government’s repeated claims of surpassing revenue targets while large debts remain unsettled. It asked why over N500 billion owed to contractors for completed work remains unpaid and why pensioners are still waiting for approved increases and palliatives.

“If national finances are as strong as the government claims, why are contractors still owed over N500 billion? Why are pensioners still waiting for long-approved increments and palliatives? Revenue claims mean little if ordinary Nigerians are drowning in unpaid debts,” the statement added.

The party also criticised the government for prioritising political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections instead of resolving the debt crisis.

“Rather than addressing this pressing issue, the APC government is busy distributing campaign vehicles, mobilising coordinators, and preparing for 2027. A government that cannot pay contractors or honour obligations to pensioners lacks the moral authority to campaign for another term,” it said.

The ADC affirmed its awareness of the hardship and humiliation faced by contractors and pensioners and stressed that such suffering cannot continue. The party reiterated its readiness to join protests if urgent government action is not taken to resolve these grievances.

Concluding the statement, the ADC pledged to remain on the side of Nigerians affected by the failures of the APC-led administration, stating, “Whenever this government breaks the trust of the people, we will work to restore it, and whenever they neglect their duties, we will step up to defend those affected.”