By Amina Ojelabi
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Nelson Ahamuefula Akuma, has urged the people of the South-East to rally behind the ADC, describing it as the only viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both of which he claims have failed the region and the country.
Akuma, who hails from Ebonyi State, said in an interview with news men in Lagos that the South-East has historically been sidelined despite its contributions to national politics.
He particularly cited the PDP’s failure to reward the region despite its founding role in the party and the APC’s structural exclusion of the Igbo in its leadership formation.
“Dr. Alex Ekwueme, an Igbo son, was instrumental in founding the PDP. Yet, the party couldn’t find it wise to offer the South-East a vice presidential slot throughout its time in power,” Akuma said.
“APC, from the outset, alienated the Igbo. Out of 41 interim members of its executive committee, not a single one was Igbo.”He added that the worsening conditions of living in Nigeria especially rising hunger, insecurity, and infrastructural decay are indications that the nation is in dire need of rescue, which he believes the ADC can offer.
Akuma lamented that life for ordinary Nigerians has become “brutish and short”, with increasing numbers of out-of-school children, insecurity across communities, and mass poverty. He said his decision to join ADC was born out of concern for the people of Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
“In my state, people are afraid to go to their farms due to herdsmen, bandits, and unknown gunmen. Ebonyi, once the food basket of the East, is now battling hunger. The ADC is not just another party its a rescue mission,” he stated.
Addressing criticisms that many members of the opposition coalition are political veterans formerly associated with PDP or APC, Akuma argued that competence, not party labels, should be the focus.
“You cannot judge a man until you have tested him. Peter Obi transformed Anambra’s education and security landscape. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Chukwuma Soludo elevated Nigeria’s economy under Obasanjo’s PDP administration. These are the kinds of people in the coalition.”
He emphasised that the ADC and its coalition partners bring a mix of tested technocrats and visionary leaders capable of turning Nigeria’s fortunes around.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Akuma expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can be defeated, not necessarily through campaign muscle, but due to growing public dissatisfaction.
“Hunger has done 70 percent of the job already. ADC just needs to do the remaining 30 percent by choosing the right presidential candidate and uniting behind them,” he said. “If Atiku galvanises the North and Obi galvanises the South, where will Tinubu’s votes come from?”
Akuma noted that rising poverty, high fuel costs, and insecurity are not issues affected by ethnicity or religion, adding that all Nigerians are suffering under the current government regardless of background.
“No one is buying food or fuel cheaper because they are Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo. The pain is universal and that’s why the 2027 election is not in Tinubu’s hands anymore.”
He concluded by urging the South-East to lead the charge toward change by embracing ADC, describing the party as the most inclusive and reform-minded platform for a post-APC Nigeria.
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