2027: ADC unveils plans for one million-man march for good governance

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its support group Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN), announced plans for a coordinated One Million‑Man March in 25 Nigerian cities.

The march, titled “Rise Up Naija: Reawakening Citizenship, Restoring Hope,” is described as a national awakening aimed at strengthening civic participation and demanding better governance.

The event is part of a broader civic drive by ADC’s youth and middle‑aged members to promote issue‑based politics over ethnic and religious sentiments.

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Audu, at the ADC headquarters in Abuja. It is being positioned as a mass civic demonstration designed to unite Nigerians across social, religious and political divides under a shared call for accountability, inclusion and democratic renewal.

Audu explained that the One Million‑Man March is not a conventional party rally but a coordinated civic action intended to highlight public concerns over governance failures, economic hardship, insecurity and youth disillusionment.

According to him, the initiative is rooted in the belief that Nigerians must move from passive observation to active participation in shaping the nation’s democratic future.

Describing the mobilisation as a defining moment for civic engagement, Audu said the movement reflects “a collective declaration that citizens are ready to reclaim their voice in governance.”

The programme unveiled by the ADC group expects the march to attract youths, professionals, artisans, students, women’s groups and civil society actors.

Further explaining that the target of one million participants reflects a growing national demand for reform and accountability, Audu noted that the march would serve as a launchpad for sustained citizen engagement, grassroots organisation and voter education ahead of the elections.

“We are not spectators in our country’s story. We are participants and this is the moment to rise,” Audu declared.

At the unveiling event, former ADC national chairman Ralph Nwosu praised the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s civic space.

Nwosu noted that youth participation remains central to national development and praised the “Rise Up Naija” concept as a movement that resonates across generations.

“We need this kind of awakening now. For the past two decades, messages about Nigeria’s future have always centred on young people. Wherever Nigeria has excelled in sports, theatre, music and other creative space which has been driven by youths, they have always lifted the country. I am confident that by 2027, Nigeria will get it right, though the journey will not be without challenges,” Nwosu said.

Also speaking, ADC chieftain Kashim Ibrahim‑Imam expressed optimism about the country’s future and the role of political renewal in addressing governance challenges.

Ibrahim‑Imam assured that the ADC is determined to solve the country’s problems.

“Our country has a future. The ADC is committed to doing things differently. It must not be business as usual. Nigeria is blessed with every resource needed especially its young population. The problem has always been irresponsible leadership,” he said, adding that political leadership must be anchored on a clear national agenda that works for all citizens, not a privileged few.

National Publicity Secretary Malam Bolaji Abdullahi delivered a critique of Nigeria’s political culture, saying the country must break from cycles of misgovernance and self‑interest.

Abdullahi described the political class as having failed in long‑term thinking about the nation’s future, adding that the ADC is positioning itself as a platform for ideological renewal and egalitarian governance.

The opposition party spokesman said, “We are saying this is where we draw the line. The only thing holding many parties together is access to power. Without it, they collapse. We are building something different—an organisation defined by ideas, not individuals.”

Abdullahi stressed the need for urgent action to address insecurity, particularly banditry, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections, Abdullahi urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity presented by the evolving political landscape to change the narrative.