Former Minister of State for Health and Ebonyi political figure, Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo, has called on Nigerians to consider alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing escalating costs of essential commodities, deteriorating public services, and persistent security threats as indicators of governance shortcomings under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki over the weekend, Nwankwo emphasized the need for a credible opposition platform, identifying the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential vehicle for political change.
“I think, if you mention the name ADC, you know automatically what it means,” he said, highlighting the party’s growing national profile despite entrenched incumbency politics.
Nwankwo pointed to the rising cost of living as evidence of economic mismanagement, noting significant price increases in health and energy sectors. “If you have diabetic patients, drugs that were selling for 2,500 Naira, now it’s 15,000 Naira. Asthma inhalers that were 9,000 Naira now cost 13,000 Naira. Fuel sells at 1,400 Naira per litre,” he said.
He attributed these economic pressures to structural weaknesses, ineffective policy implementation, and systemic inefficiencies, which he said disproportionately affect average Nigerian households.
Nwankwo warned that without adequate social safety nets, the trend could undermine human development and long-term national stability.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent electoral history, he cited the 2023 general elections as an example of the rising influence of opposition parties.
“Do you remember what happened in 2023? The party that had no strength anywhere officially came third,” Nwankwo said, referencing figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi.
He argued that the ADC is positioned to capitalize on this momentum with a governance model focused on transparency, accountability, and participatory politics.
On security, Nwankwo highlighted ongoing threats from terrorism, insurgency, and lawlessness, particularly in regions such as Borno State, where he noted several local governments remain under terrorist control.
He linked these challenges to poor policy execution, corruption, and insufficient political will, advocating for an integrated approach to national security under an ADC-led administration.
Addressing internal party governance, Nwankwo stressed ADC’s commitment to transparent candidate selection through both direct primaries and consensus methods.
He also criticized recent amendments to the Electoral Act, alleging that certain provisions favor incumbents and limit fair competition.
Looking beyond the presidency, Nwankwo said the ADC aims to secure legislative and gubernatorial positions to enable coherent policy implementation across federal and state levels. “We need senators and House of Reps who will make laws under him. We need governors. When we say, what’s the name of the man? He’s not doing well, automatically it means that the governors under him are not doing well,” he said.
Nwankwo therefore, framed ADC as a viable alternative for Nigerians facing economic hardship, insecurity, and political stagnation. “The first question Nigerians have to ask themselves is, are we better off today than before 2023? If the answer is no, we tell them that we have an alternative now, that we have to change things,” he concluded.
