The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have questioned the timing of the Federal Government’s recently launched $1 billion Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Project (HOPE-SP), coming less than a year before the 2027 general elections.
The programme, launched in Abuja on Wednesday under the theme “From Palliatives to Pathways,” is aimed at supporting vulnerable households and helping beneficiaries move towards economic recovery and self-reliance.
According to the Federal Government, the initiative will target about 7.6 million vulnerable households, with eligible beneficiaries expected to receive a one-off digital shock-response payment of ₦40,000. Beneficiaries are expected to be selected from the National Social Register and verified using their National Identification Numbers.
The project was unveiled by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who said many Nigerian families were still facing economic difficulties despite ongoing government reforms.
The government said the initiative is designed to improve the identification of vulnerable Nigerians, provide immediate assistance during economic shocks and establish pathways through which households can eventually become economically independent.
Other components of the new social protection framework were also unveiled, including an emergency cash transfer programme and a system designed to coordinate humanitarian and poverty-reduction responses.
However, the opposition ADC questioned why the Federal Government was launching such a major intervention at a time when the country is moving closer to the 2027 elections.
In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the funding and administrative structure of the programme and sought clarification on how the $1 billion would be accounted for.
The ADC also questioned the involvement of the First Lady in unveiling what is described as a Federal Government programme and asked which government institution would be responsible for overseeing and accounting for the funds.
The party said it supported genuine efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians but argued that palliative measures should not replace policies capable of improving citizens’ purchasing power and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The NDC also raised concerns about the timing of the programme.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party welcomed any initiative aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians but noted that the proximity of the 2027 elections could make the intervention subject to political interpretation.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties increasingly focusing on grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement.
The Federal Government maintains that its social protection programme is intended to cushion vulnerable Nigerians from economic difficulties and help families move beyond temporary relief.
The opposition, however, is expected to continue scrutinising the programme, particularly its funding, implementation and timing as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
