ADC Unveils Manifesto, Promises Independent Electoral Body and Impunity-Free Governance

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Mallam Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a prominent member of the opposition coalition within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Director‑General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), presented the coalition’s 12‑point policy framework and manifesto ahead of the 2027 general elections. The document promises extensive reforms aimed at addressing governance, economic, and security challenges across the country.

Lukman explained that the manifesto, adopted at the party’s National Convention on 14 April 2026, is intended to offer Nigerians a new governance model grounded in accountability, institutional reform, and citizen‑focused policies. Key commitments include establishing an independent electoral management system free from executive influence, promoting a zero‑impunity state, strengthening fiscal responsibility, ensuring value‑for‑money governance, and introducing a living‑wage system linked to productivity and labour reforms.

In a detailed article released yesterday in Abuja titled “ADC and New Framework of Electoral Campaign,” Lukman outlined the party’s policy direction as built on three pillars: ensuring that every government policy directly improves citizens’ welfare; addressing Nigeria’s problems through coordinated institutional reforms rather than ad hoc measures; and implementing humane economic reforms that do not exacerbate hardship for the populace.

He noted that the policy document was produced by a committee chaired by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, with renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi serving as deputy chairman.

According to Lukman, the manifesto contains comprehensive recommendations covering agriculture, economy, energy, environment, mineral resources, foreign policy, governance, health, education, industrialisation, infrastructure, transportation, and security.

Regarding agriculture, the ADC identified rising production costs, insecurity, climate pressure, weak technology adoption, and dependence on imports as major obstacles to food production. To counter these issues, the party pledged to make food security a national priority through expanded irrigation, mechanised farming, support for smallholder farmers, and performance‑based budgeting.

In governance, the party vowed to strengthen the rule of law, guarantee an independent electoral management body, improve public sector accountability, and enforce transparency in government spending. The manifesto also proposes stronger labour governance, improved wages, and fiscal reforms aimed at reducing waste and inefficiency in public administration.

On education, the ADC promised to declare a sectoral emergency, expand access to quality education, strengthen workforce development, and enhance social protection programmes, including disability inclusion and poverty‑reduction initiatives.

The party also pledged to prioritise preventive healthcare, strengthen primary health centres, expand health insurance coverage, improve disease surveillance, and address the shortage of healthcare professionals through better workforce retention strategies.

Concerning security, Lukman described a four‑level framework involving local intelligence gathering, state‑level prevention, national coordination, and regional collaboration. The party also advocated decentralised policing, professionalisation of security agencies, improved border surveillance, and stronger accountability mechanisms.

In the economic sector, the ADC aims to shift Nigeria from an oil‑dependent, consumption‑driven economy to a production‑based system driven by regional value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

Lukman rejected what he termed “shock‑therapy reforms,” insisting that economic changes must be gradual, properly sequenced, and supported by social protection measures to cushion vulnerable Nigerians.

He added that the ADC leadership is committed to introducing a new campaign framework that will require elected officials and party candidates to implement the manifesto and remain accountable to Nigerians through measurable performance indicators.

According to him, the party believes Nigerians will support the ADC in 2027 if they are convinced that its candidates are genuinely committed to delivering on campaign promises and implementing reforms capable of rescuing the country from its current socio‑economic challenges.