Ohanaeze Urges Tinubu to Embrace ADC's Emergence as a Catalyst for Change

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the recent emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an "unintended blessing" for his administration. Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzor, the National Deputy General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, articulated this position in a statement issued from Abakaliki, emphasizing that the ADC's formation should serve as a critical impetus for the government to address prevailing national challenges.

Isiguzor highlighted that the ADC coalition’s rise should prompt the Tinubu administration to confront what Ohanaeze describes as persistent economic woes, escalating poverty, widespread hunger, and unresolved security issues across Nigeria. The group holds the view that the consolidation of the ADC will effectively curtail any potential drift towards a one-party political system in the country.

Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called upon President Tinubu to undertake a comprehensive review of his cabinet. The organization pointed to the perceived ineffectiveness of certain ministers whose performance in key sectors such as the economy, security, agriculture, health, and rural development has been deemed unsatisfactory. 

Ohanaeze stressed the necessity for "clinical reforms and policies driven by esteemed Nigerian economists, experts, and technocrats," advocating for merit-based appointments over political loyalties. This recalibration, according to Ohanaeze, is vital for restoring public confidence in the administration and safeguarding its integrity.

The ADC recently announced its formal adoption as the platform for a broad opposition coalition in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. This development, which followed strategic meetings in Abuja, has seen key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party's Peter Obi, aligning with the ADC to challenge the ruling party.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, was also reported to have criticized the ruling party's leadership, attributing the country's current difficulties to their governance, and cited the ADC's lack of internal crises as a reason for joining the coalition.

Source: The Guardian Nigeria