The Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), a support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described the Federal Government’s proposed plan to scrap data charges and provide free internet data to Nigerians as a ploy to buy votes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group also accused the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration of scrambling for populist programmes following the promise by the ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to pursue policies aimed at reducing the economic hardship facing Nigerians when elected president in 2027.
The GMN made its position known in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Comrade Peter Emeka.
Emeka described the Federal Government’s announcement as a political stunt designed to win public support ahead of the 2027 elections rather than a genuine intervention to address the country’s digital and economic challenges.
“The FG’s so-called free data policy is nothing but a fraud and vote buying mechanism by a government that is becoming unpopular among Nigerians,” the statement said.
“You cannot buy the loyalty of Nigerians with data when they cannot afford food, fuel, school fees and other basic needs.”
The group said the proposed policy appeared particularly targeted at young voters, describing it as a gimmick that would do little to address the challenges confronting Nigerian students.
“It’s simply a gimmick to hoodwink young voters, but it’s merely a mockery of our students,” Emeka said.
GMN also questioned the feasibility of the policy, arguing that the government had not provided sufficient details on its implementation framework, funding arrangements or consultations with telecommunications operators and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“You don’t run a sector that employs millions and contributes hugely to the economy with press releases,” Emeka said.
“Who will pay for bandwidth, towers and maintenance? The government has not told us because there is no plan.”
The ADC support group urged the Federal Government to pursue a more practical approach by investing in digital infrastructure and expanding affordable internet access, rather than making what it described as unrealistic promises.
“If the government truly wants to provide free internet access, it should simply provide Wi-Fi hubs in all institutions, and not this deceitful and laughable free data,” the statement said.
GMN warned that an outright scrapping of data charges, if poorly designed and funded, could discourage investment in the telecommunications sector, affect service quality and ultimately undermine the interests of consumers.
“Nigerians are not children. We need jobs, stable power, security and real broadband penetration in rural areas, not headlines that cannot be delivered,” the group said.
“Communities in Kano, Borno, Benue and other states still struggle with network coverage. This policy will only deepen the digital divide.”
The group further accused the administration of relying on populist announcements to distract attention from what it described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.
“Governance is not a reality show. Policies must be funded, measurable and sustainable,” GMN said.
“This government should stop chasing clout and face the real problems Nigerians are confronting.”
The group called on the Federal Government to review the proposed policy and instead engage telecommunications operators, the NCC and other stakeholders in developing a targeted subsidy programme for students, small businesses and underserved communities.
This version keeps the political punch but makes it read more like a newspaper report, with the stronger allegations clearly attributed to GMN rather than stated as independently established facts.