The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the outcome of the United States midterm elections and use their votes to demand political change in the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party said the result of the American election, where voters punished the ruling Republican Party over leadership concerns and economic policies, showed that citizens have the power to hold governments accountable through the ballot box.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the development demonstrated that ordinary citizens remain the most powerful force in any democracy when they participate actively in elections.
“Americans have shown that when politicians become arrogant, when policies punish ordinary people, and when those in power mistake popularity for a permanent licence to govern, the ballot box remains the ultimate instrument of accountability,” the party said.
The ADC argued that Nigerians should learn from the American experience that elections should focus on citizens’ welfare rather than political loyalty, sentiments or personalities.
According to the party, no political leader or party should consider power a permanent entitlement, stressing that voters have the responsibility to reward good governance and reject policies that negatively affect their lives.
“No leader is bigger than the people, and no political party is entitled to power forever,” the ADC stated.
The opposition party accused the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of failing to address the economic difficulties and security challenges facing Nigerians.
The ADC said Nigerians have experienced rising living costs, worsening insecurity and reduced opportunities under the current administration, yet the ruling party is seeking another mandate in 2027.
“We cannot continue to complain about the cost of living while voting for a President who has made life unaffordable. We cannot demand security while rewarding failure,” the party said.
The party called on Nigerians to use their voters’ cards as instruments for change, urging citizens to participate massively in the 2027 election.
“History beckons in 2027. Our voters’ cards must become instruments of change, not souvenirs of citizenship,” the ADC said.
The ADC also presented itself as an alternative to the ruling APC, promising to focus on reducing economic hardship, improving security and creating employment opportunities if elected.
The party’s message comes as political activities and early campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify, with opposition parties seeking to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
However, the APC has continued to defend the Tinubu administration’s policies, arguing that ongoing reforms are aimed at rebuilding the economy and creating long-term benefits for Nigerians.