By Christian Njoku
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday in Calabar inaugurated a 63-member campaign organisation in Cross River ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Ekpo Okon, National Coordinator of the Atiku/Amaechi Campaign Organisation, who spoke at the inauguration, said Nigeria required committed leaders to rescue it from its worsening economic situation.
He said the inauguration marked the party’s commencement of preparations to mobilise voters and promote its candidates ahead of the elections scheduled for January and February 2027.
Okon criticised the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy and currency devaluation, saying both policies had worsened Nigerians’ living conditions.
Also, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairman questioned the utilisation of funds saved from subsidy removal and increased borrowing, alleging that budget implementation under the current administration had been poor.
According to him, the government has failed to demonstrate how borrowed funds and subsidy savings have translated into meaningful development.
Okon also faulted rising university tuition fees, arguing that the introduction of student loans had further burdened economically disadvantaged families.
“We advocate subsidising local petroleum production through crude oil supply to domestic refineries at reduced rates to make the products more affordable,” he noted.
The ADC chieftain urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, saying Nigerians needed to understand the economic consequences of government policies before making electoral choices.
The ADC governorship candidate, Nkoyo Toyo, said her administration would transform the state from survival to a thriving people-centred society.
She said the party had developed a comprehensive manifesto focused on citizens, economic growth and strong institutions to promote productivity and citizens’ empowerment.
Toyo criticised Nigeria’s political culture, particularly, the use of religion in politics, saying the ADC prioritised rule of law, accountability, security, productivity and citizens’ empowerment.
Earlier, Mr Godwin Effanga, ADC Cross River Chairman, described the party’s governorship candidate as competent, experienced and capable of addressing the state’s development challenges.
Effanga said residents of Cross River should look beyond party affiliations and support the ADC to rescue the state from what he described as poor management.
He urged members to mobilise voters and defend their votes, stressing that the 2027 elections offered an opportunity to secure a better future for their children.
