2027: ADC Pledges to Shift Political Narratives as It Launches Policy and Manifesto Committee

Prior to the general elections in 2027, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated its intention to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape by providing people-centered governance based on empathy, pragmatism, and responsibility.
This was announced by the party on Monday in Abuja at the Policy and Manifesto Committee’s inauguration, which it called a crucial turning point in its efforts to save Nigeria from escalating socioeconomic suffering.

Speaking at the event, Senator David A. B. Mark, National Chairman of the ADC, stated that the nation was in dire need of a new political narrative that put citizens at the center of governance instead of distant policy experiments.

He said that the inauguration was a calculated move to provide Nigerians legitimate options to what he called years of incompetent government, rather than a standard party activity.
“Families are working harder but making less money. Food costs are rising more quickly than earnings can keep up, the power supply is still unstable despite rising rates, and social and economic life is still being disrupted by insecurity, according to Mark.

He maintained that while poverty and adversity have always existed in Nigeria, the extent of suffering has increased under the current government due to policies that disregard the everyday struggles of the populace.
Mark emphasized that Nigerians are desperate for measures that alleviate their suffering and give them hope, and they are no longer interested in political rhetoric, statistics, or blame-shifting.
“Clever arguments are not what Nigerians are seeking. They want laws and policies that demonstrate that the government is aware of their plight and is ready to respond with compassion, bravery, and clarity,” he stated.

Nigeria, the former Senate President said, does not lack ideas; rather, it lacks the ability to bring ideas to life. He pointed out that many government initiatives are still merely theoretical endeavors that do not result in better living conditions.

“Reports are written, committees are formed, documents are produced, but nothing changes in the lives of the people, which is what matters most,” he continued.
Using the elimination of gasoline and energy subsidies as examples, Mark questioned the rationale behind measures that add to citizens’ responsibilities without providing real advantages.
“The true question is whether people can enhance other aspects of their lives by paying more for necessities like food, power, gasoline, and transportation. “Obviously, the answer is no,” he stated, adding that the ADC needs to give precise explanations of what it would do differently.

He stated that the creation of jobs, healthcare, education, transportation, food production, and insecurity are important issues that need to be tackled comprehensively rather than piecemeal.
“Death is not the only thing that causes insecurity. Mark cautioned, “It is about deserted farms, uprooted communities, closed schools, and an environment of fear that stifles economic activity.”

He also insisted that no one person, no matter how powerful or wealthy, should control the party and urged for internal party protections to prevent individuals from gaining too much authority.
“You’re not here just to come up with ideas. Members of the committee were informed, “You are here to make sure that every recommendation is realistic and lessens suffering, not just rearrange it.”
Dr. John Oyegun, the chairman of the Policy and Manifesto Committee, praised the party leadership for their faith in the committee during his acceptance address. He described the task as both an honor and a significant responsibility.

It would not be “business as usual” for governance under the ADC, Oyegun emphasized, adding that the committee will use Mark’s address as a foundation.
“You have asked us to create a manifesto and policies that the average Nigerian can relate to and figure out how they fit into their daily lives,” he stated.

Nigerians are unable to identify a single sector where issues have been significantly remedied, he said, criticizing decades of governance failures.
It is impossible to assert with confidence that we have reliable power, reasonably priced transportation, or true security. There’s a lot of activity and commotion, but the people’s lives aren’t really getting better,” Oyegun said.

The former All Progressives Congress national chairman pledged that the ADC will oppose what he called a “contractor-governed system” and cautioned against the mentality where party manifestos are abandoned once power is gained.

Oyegun pledged that the committee would endeavor to guarantee that ADC governments continue to be answerable to the people and do not distance themselves from the electorate.

Former APC Vice Chairman North Hon. Salihu Lukman, former Kogi State Deputy Governor Hon. Simon Achuba, and members of the party’s National Working Committee were among the committee members present at the inauguration.