The African Democratic Congress (ADC) launched a 63-member campaign organisation in Cross River State on Wednesday in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Mr Ekpo Okon, the National Coordinator of the Atiku/Amaechi Campaign Organisation, addressed the gathering in Calabar, highlighting the need for dedicated leaders to address Nigeria’s deteriorating economic conditions.
This event followed the ADC’s North-West Campaign Council’s inauguration led by Nafiu Gombe, the party’s factional National Chairman, earlier last week in Sokoto State. This meeting involved candidates for governor, senator, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly, alongside other stakeholders.
Okon stated that the inauguration marked the start of the party’s efforts to engage voters and promote their candidates ahead of the elections set for January and February 2027. He expressed concern over the government’s removal of the fuel subsidy and currency devaluation, claiming these policies have exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians.
A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party also raised questions about how funds saved from the subsidy removal and increased borrowing are being used, asserting that under the current administration, budget execution has been lacking. He remarked, “The government has failed to demonstrate how borrowed funds and subsidy savings have translated into meaningful development.”
Okon criticized the growing university tuition fees, stating that the introduction of student loans has imposed additional burdens on poorer families. He proposed subsidising domestic petroleum production by supplying crude oil to local refineries at reduced rates to make fuel more affordable.
He urged ADC members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, emphasizing the importance of informing Nigerians about the economic impacts of government policies before they vote.
Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, the ADC’s governorship candidate, pledged to transform Cross River State into a thriving, community-oriented society. She outlined a comprehensive manifesto focusing on citizens, economic growth, and robust institutions aimed at enhancing productivity and empowerment.
Toyo took aim at Nigeria’s political climate, particularly the intertwining of religion with politics, assuring that the ADC is committed to the rule of law, accountability, security, productivity, and citizen empowerment. She also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress for failing to deliver meaningful achievements over the past 12 years while resorting to personal attacks against opposition figures.
Mr Godwin Effanga, the ADC’s Cross River State Chairman, described Toyo as capable and competent in tackling the state’s development issues. He encouraged residents to look past party affiliations and support the ADC, emphasising that the upcoming elections present a chance to improve governance in the state and secure a better future for the next generation.
