The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye and Emmanuel Fayose, a House of Representatives aspirant in Ekiti State, have urged Nigerians to reject President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general election.
They made the call during a meeting with ADC leaders and
members in Abuja on Thursday, warning that the country's economic challenges
could worsen if Tinubu secured a second term.
Atiku, who was represented by his spokesman, Kenneth
Okonkwo, accused the President of undermining democratic institutions by
allegedly exercising excessive control over the legislature and the judiciary.
He said the National Assembly had failed to hold the
executive accountable, arguing that lawmakers were prioritising the President's
interests over those of ordinary Nigerians.
“In Nigeria today, the parliament is for the president, not
for the people,” Okonkwo said, adding that the legislature was supposed to
check the executive in the interest of citizens.
He criticised what he described as excessive government
spending amid widespread economic hardship, insisting that lawmakers should
scrutinise public expenditure and demand accountability.
Okonkwo also called on opposition parties to unite and
present credible candidates capable of providing effective representation and
delivering democratic dividends.
He questioned the President's frequent foreign trips,
arguing that constitutional provisions on presidential succession must be
respected.
The ADC spokesman further criticised the administration's
borrowing, arguing that rising debt obligations were placing additional
pressure on public finances and worsening the country's economic difficulties.
He likened the country's economic situation to the biblical
wilderness, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy had increased the burden
on Nigerians already struggling with hunger and poverty.
Okonkwo also raised concerns about Tinubu's health and
capacity to govern, saying Nigerians needed a leader capable of managing the
country's challenges. He, however, acknowledged that illness was a human
condition and should not be used to stigmatise anyone.
Former Kogi West lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, in his
remarks, criticised Tinubu's comparison of Nigeria's situation with Egypt while
defending the President's position against calls for the restoration of fuel
subsidy.
Melaye argued that Egypt had overtaken Nigeria in several
economic indicators, including gross domestic product, per capita income,
unemployment and poverty, insisting that the President's comparison was
misplaced.
He said Nigeria needed leadership capable of addressing its
economic problems, warning that the hardship currently experienced by citizens
could become more severe if Tinubu returned to office in 2027.
“This hunger you are seeing now is prelim. This hunger you
are seeing now is introduction to hunger. You have not even gotten to hunger,”
Melaye said, warning Nigerians about the possible consequences of another APC
administration.
The former lawmaker also criticised the National Assembly,
describing it as an extension of the executive rather than an independent
institution capable of holding the government accountable.
Drawing on his experience in the House of Representatives
and Senate, Melaye argued that the legislature must reclaim its constitutional
responsibility of checking the executive and protecting the interests of
Nigerians.
He called on opposition figures across political parties to
work together, stressing that the country's survival should take precedence
over personal ambitions, ethnic considerations and political affiliations.
Melaye urged opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, Rabiu
Kwankwaso and other political figures, to recognise the need for cooperation in
the 2027 election, arguing that Nigeria required a leader capable of uniting
its diverse population.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Fayose, the younger brother of
former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, alleged that the Tinubu
administration was concerned about Atiku's popularity and political influence.
Fayose said the South-West would play a significant role in
determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to
assess political candidates based on their records and capacity to lead.
He also expressed confidence that Atiku could attract
substantial support in the region, while emphasising the need for voter
education and sensitisation, particularly among young people.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com