The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to democracy by ensuring the credible conduct of the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, as well as other off-season elections across Nigeria.
This appeal was made by the ADC National Chairman, Dr. Ralph Nwosu, during a ceremony in Abuja on Monday, where a certificate of return was presented to Mr. John Nwosu, the party’s governorship candidate for Anambra State.
Dr. Nwosu emphasized that transparent and credible elections would reaffirm the Tinubu administration’s commitment to democratic principles and signal its readiness for free and fair general elections in 2027. He recalled Tinubu’s past role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, particularly his involvement with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the 1993 struggle for democratic governance.
“We remember very well that in 1993, Mr. President stood with NADECO to fight for democracy, and we expect him to demonstrate the same commitment now by supporting credible and transparent elections,” Nwosu stated.
He further noted that with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having recently announced the dates for governorship elections in Ekiti, Osun, and Anambra, it is imperative that the political environment be fair and competitive.
“A level playing field will not only restore confidence in the electoral process but also put Nigeria’s democracy back on a path of recovery,” he added.
Beyond elections, the ADC chairman also called for free and fair Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections and warned the federal government against manipulating the country’s monetary policy for political purposes. He raised concerns about the current economic realities, including inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and rising national debt.
“You can play politics, but not with the Central Bank,” Dr. Nwosu warned, stressing the need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other key financial institutions to remain independent and be managed by professionals.
He also urged the federal government to embrace transparency in governance, arguing that economic recovery is unattainable without accountability and honest leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. John Nwosu, the ADC governorship flagbearer for Anambra, expressed confidence in his party’s chances at the polls. He pledged to deliver a transparent, inclusive, and development-focused administration if elected.
“Now is the time to come together for the good of Anambra people. Today, the people of Anambra have a credible alternative to better their lives,” he said.
Mr. Nwosu assured that his government would prioritize public engagement and uphold the rights of citizens, with a strong focus on sectors like education, healthcare, and security.
“We are aware of both the needs and the unmet needs of our people. That’s why our administration will be built on transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable development,” he emphasized.
The ADC governorship candidate also thanked his supporters and called on the people of Anambra to rally behind his candidacy.
Geoffrey Ndubisi, Nwosu’s running mate, echoed his confidence in the party’s prospects, describing the ADC as the most credible alternative for Anambra in the upcoming election.
