Leaders of the opposition on Tuesday declared their readiness to defend democracy and work together to change Nigeria’s leadership direction at the ADC National Convention held in Abuja.
Speaking at the convention, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Nigerians must once again rise to protect democratic values, just as they did during the struggle against military rule.
According to him, Nigerians fought hard to restore democracy in the past and are ready to do so again if necessary.
“We fought the military to bring democracy to this country, and we will fight again to protect democracy,” Atiku declared.
He said the country’s economy, security, education, infrastructure and healthcare sectors are facing serious challenges and require urgent leadership attention, stressing that the future of young Nigerians depends on meaningful change in governance.
Also speaking at the ADC Convention, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi warned that Nigeria is facing rising poverty and division under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Obi said the country’s poverty level has increased significantly in recent years and urged Nigerians to work together to restore unity and stability across the country.
“We must work as one united Nigeria. The country is drifting and we must act now,” Obi said.
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi also criticized the federal government, accusing it of using state institutions against citizens instead of protecting them and responding directly to their needs.
Amaechi said Nigerians are facing increasing economic hardship and insecurity and called on members of the African Democratic Congress to remain united ahead of future elections.
He urged political stakeholders to avoid ethnic and religious divisions in national politics, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all citizens regardless of background.
The ADC Convention brought together several opposition leaders who agreed on the need for cooperation to address Nigeria’s current political and economic challenges. They emphasized that unity among political stakeholders would play an important role in strengthening democracy, restoring economic stability and improving security across the country.