Critical stakeholders of the coalition party, African Democratic Congress, ADC, have warned against any form of candidate imposition during general elections, stating that such acts will not be tolerated.
They also cautioned against impunity by wealthy politicians, reasoning that these practices discourage and dampen the enthusiasm of members and supporters.
The party’s National Deputy Publicity Secretary for South-South, Dr Effiong Nyong, and chairman in the state, Dr John Ogar, echoed these sentiments while addressing new members and supporters in Calabar.
Nyong said, “We won’t allow elders in the party to choose or impose candidates on us.
“We will look at marketable and younger persons that can win elections and put them forward.”
Nyong, a former ADC governorship candidate in 2023, criticised the current state of governance, calling for real-time transmission of election results and accountability from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
He also condemned the Cross River State government of Bassey Otu for alleged mismanagement of public funds.
He explained the reason for the coalition, saying it is not for personal interest but for the general interest of Nigeria.
“It is a movement that will save Nigeria from the hands of those who are not intentional about the country’s growth,” he said.
Nyong also criticised the state government for engaging in what he described as “dirty politics,” which he said has resulted in the state having only one junior minister in President Tinubu’s federal cabinet.
“In the history of ministerial lists, Tinubu’s government has the highest number of ministers, but Cross River State has been given a junior minister. After we lost the slot of Betta Edu, why wasn’t a replacement from Cross River State appointed?” he questioned.
Chairman of ADC, Dr Ogar, urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the party’s success in 2027, stressing the need to be intentional about making Nigeria great again.
“All should come together to ensure the party succeeds in 2027. It is time to be intentional towards making Nigeria great again,” he said.
He also encouraged everyone to register and join the movement, spreading the message to others, saying, “Register and join the movement. Tell someone to tell someone, so that the message can be widely disseminated.”
Also speaking, former chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority Board, Mr Akin Ricketts, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and emphasised the importance of spreading the message of the ADC.
“Everyone is a stakeholder, and as such, it is incumbent upon all to spread the message of the ADC and ensure massive membership,” he said.