The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assured Nigerians that its 2027 campaign would be based on issues.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, who gave the assurance at the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Friday, said the high cost of living, poverty, the economy, security, jobs, food, education, healthcare, infrastructure, inflation, good governance, and the rule of law would dominate the party’s campaign.
Speaking to members of the campaign council, Mark said, “Nigerians already know their problems. We do not need to lecture them about their sufferings.
“We must listen to them and tell them clearly how we intend to solve the problems.”
He told them not to leave any stone unturned, adding, “Leave no legitimate question unanswered. And leave no Nigerian behind.”
Mark charged them to go to every state, every local government, every ward and every community.
“Do not take any community for granted. Earn the confidence of the people.
“Engage our traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, workers, farmers, professionals, traders, artisans, students and persons living with disabilities. Listen to all Nigerians,” he said.
The former President of the Senate urged them to build bridges, and not walls.
“We shall disagree without hatred. We shall compete without violence. We shall campaign vigorously without destroying the bonds that hold Nigerians together.
“We will speak to every region, every faith and every ethnic nationality,” he added.
Mark said the Atiku Abubakar-Rotimi Amaechi ticket represents experience, capacity and national reach, and urged presidential and vice-presidential candidates to continue to present themselves as candidates for the whole country.
“Speak with respect. Listen with humility. Campaign with courage. And let your message be defined by competence, experience, integrity, inclusion and national unity,” he further advised.
Mark predicted that they would be physically attacked during the campaign; you could be physically attacked, but said when this happens, they “respond with a friendly HANDSHAKE”.
“You could be insulted. When this happens, respond with a smile.”
He assured that ADC would be firmly committed to the integrity of the electoral process, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all institutions responsible for the elections to be impartial, transparent and professional.
“Every eligible Nigerian must be able to vote freely, safely and without intimidation.
“We will reject violence, hate speech and politics of revenge. We will compete fiercely within the ambit of the law,” he said.
Mark told the ADC-PCC that their selection was a call to serve, and urged them to serve with courage, discipline, humility and patriotism.
“History has placed this responsibility on you. Do not underestimate this assignment.
“The road ahead will demand sacrifice, organisation, resources, patience, honesty, and resilience,” he demanded.
