By Nefishetu Yakubu
National Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, says the party represents the future of politics in Nigeria through inclusive leadership and ideological governance.
Abdullahi stated this during the media campaign launch of “The Rise Up Naija (RUN)” initiative, themed “Leadership That Works” on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the RUN Naija movement was unveiled by the youth wing of ADC to promote purposeful leadership.
Abdullahi described ADC as the only political party founded on egalitarian principles, encouraging dialogue, participation and freedom among members nationwide.
“ADC is the only political party where people freely exchange ideas without intimidation, and nobody dictates what members should do or avoid,” he said.
According to him, ADC’s identity is greater than any individual, stressing that the party’s post-2027 success will depend on collective commitment and responsibility.
“We are in the mess confronting Nigeria today because of the kind of politics played over the years by the nation’s political class,” he stated.
Abdullahi said Nigeria’s political crisis resulted from the absence of ethical values and ideological direction guiding governance and political engagement in the country.
He accused older politicians of failing to mentor successors, adding that politics had acquired a negative image because of dishonesty and lack of integrity.
“The greatest tragedy is our failure to think about what will happen to Nigeria after our generation leaves the political stage.
“Today, when politicians introduce themselves publicly, people become suspicious immediately because politics has unfortunately lost honour and credibility,” he said.
The ADC spokesman expressed optimism about the Rise Up Nigeria initiative, saying that transformative movements usually begin with a few determined individuals sharing common ideas.
“It is not millions of people that start great movements. History shows that world-changing ideas often begin with only a handful of committed individuals,” he said.
Also speaking, Kashim Imam, a chieftain of the party, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying that ADC was committed to changing the country’s political culture and governance approach.
He commended the youth within the party for taking the initiative to drive political change, admitting that the older generation had failed them and served as poor role models.
In his goodwill message, Ralph Nwosu, the former Chairman of the party, said any campaign for 2027 and beyond should focus on awakening young people to actively participate in leadership.
Neosu expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire all generations and help reposition the country toward a better future, beginning from 2027.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the group, Dr Aliyu Audu, said the RUN movement was aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding citizenship and promoting leadership that would work for all Nigerians.
Audu expressed the group’s commitment to issue-based politics, active citizenship, accountability, inclusion and national unity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
