Opposition groups have challenged President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Nigeria has entered an “age of prosperity,” saying many Nigerians are still struggling with high living costs, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening the cost-of-living crisis and failing to ensure that economic reforms translate into better living conditions.

Atiku criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy and naira reforms, saying they had contributed to higher fuel, transportation and food prices.

He also questioned the President’s claim of economic prosperity, arguing that lower inflation only means prices are increasing more slowly, not that essential goods have become affordable.

The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also criticised Tinubu’s Independence Day address, saying it failed to provide specific and measurable plans to tackle economic hardship, poverty and insecurity.

Similarly, the Lagos State PDP demanded tangible benefits for Nigerians, saying economic growth must be reflected in lower living costs, more jobs, safer communities and improved household incomes.

Meanwhile, security expert Dr Kabir Adamu has urged the Federal Government to publish a quarterly and annual security performance scorecard to show whether increased spending and security interventions are actually improving public safety.