The leader of African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe has called on the leadership and supporters of the coalition to close ranks and ensure their candidates emerge victorious at the 2027 polls.
Akpanudoedehe made the call on Saturday during the coalition’s official unveiling and flag-off ceremony, with the theme, ‘Reclaiming Democracy & Empowering the People’, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
He urged all citizens of Akwa Ibom to embrace the coalition movement and work together in ousting the present government which he described as ‘insensitive and mean”.
“Our interest is to build a strong party, so please keep your differences aside and work together.
“We who were enemies before have come together to oust an insensitive government for the good of our people. I encourage you to love this party and help it win,” he said.
In the same vein, Akpanudoedehe encouraged the ADC to field credible and quality candidates for different offices, noting that such would boost the coalition’s chances of winning in the elections.
“If you don’t bring out quality people, you may not win the elections. You will end up winning only billboards. If after the congress the coalition brings out any presidential candidate, we must support that person to succeed. We have a bigger enemy to confront which is bad governance,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the state chairman of ADC, Duke Dick said the essence of the gathering was to ensure that democracy in Akwa Ibom and in Nigeria is reclaimed, renewed and re-anchored in the will of the people.
He said the ADC with its coalition partners would kick against old politics of “empty promises, money-bags, and godfathers” adding, “We are here to build a movement of inclusion, transparency, and accountability.”
“Our mission is to break the chains of corruption and exclusion. To give voice to the youth, to empower women, to mobilize the diaspora, and to unite our diversity into strength.
“Let us not deceive ourselves: reclaiming democracy will not be easy. The forces of oppression and corruption will resist us. But history shows that when the people are united, no obstacle can stand in their way.
“Here in Akwa Ibom, we will shine the light. We will show that politics can be clean, leadership can be accountable, and development can be people-centered.”
