The Lagos Central Senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC ),Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, on Wednesday faulted the Presidency’s response to calls for political accountability, insisting that Nigerians deserved answers to pressing national challenges rather than insults.
Johnson, who is also a member of the OK Movement, said the dismissal of demands for accountability by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, reflected what he described as the administration’s growing disconnect from the realities facing ordinary citizens.
In a statement, the NDC chieftain described as unfortunate the labelling of accountability demands as “childish” at a time millions of Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, rising poverty and insecurity.
According to him, available economic indicators showed that the living conditions of many Nigerians had deteriorated significantly since the implementation of key economic reforms by the current administration.
He argued that the Federal Government’s policies had weakened the value of the naira and deepened hardship without providing adequate protection for vulnerable citizens.
Johnson also raised concerns over the repeated extension of the 2025 capital budget, saying the development raised questions about fiscal discipline and effective management of public resources.
He said, “Nigerians deserve answers, not insults. Citizens have a constitutional right to question their leaders and demand accountability, especially when economic conditions continue to worsen.”
The politician further accused democratic institutions of failing to effectively hold the executive accountable, citing the persistent challenges of killings, kidnappings and banditry across parts of the country.
Johnson also took a swipe at the Presidency’s reliance on recent off-cycle election victories as evidence of public support for the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to him, reports by election observers and civil society organisations have raised concerns over vote-buying, voter intimidation and declining voter participation in several elections.
He maintained that low voter turnout and widespread public disillusionment should not be interpreted as a genuine endorsement of government policies.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Johnson expressed confidence that Nigerians would embrace an alternative political direction capable of addressing the nation’s economic and security challenges.
He said the Nigeria Democratic Congress was committed to building a broad coalition aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
Johnson pledged that if elected to the Senate, he would support measures to strengthen legislative oversight, protect public funds and ensure that government officials remained accountable to the people.
He added that democracy could only thrive when leaders listened to citizens and responded to their concerns rather than dismissing legitimate questions about governance.
