2027: Amaechi, Oyegun Lead ADC Charge in Edo, Promise Economic Reforms
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its mobilisation in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Edo State Governor, Chief John Oyegun, calling for political change and economic reforms in Nigeria.
They spoke at an ADC town hall meeting in Edo State attended by party leaders, candidates, supporters and other dignitaries, where the party presented its vision for Edo State and Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, criticised the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had worsened inflation and increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
He said energy remained fundamental to economic production, stressing that “without it, you cannot produce.”
According to Amaechi, the subsidy removal was undertaken without sufficient consideration of its effect on inflation and the cost of living.
He argued that lower fuel prices would reduce the cost of goods and services and could also contribute to a reduction in crime.
Amaechi said an ADC-led government would introduce production subsidies and implement policies designed to make production easier, while also promising tax cuts and improved salaries.
He further pledged that an ADC government would ensure the construction of all seaports in the country.
On the electoral process, Amaechi urged Nigerians to protect their votes, insisting that elections should be won at the polling units rather than through court battles.
“You will defend your votes. If you don’t fight for your right, they will take it,” he said, referring to developments in Osun State.
The ADC vice-presidential candidate also promised greater participation of women in government, saying the country could not be effectively governed without women.
He pledged that an ADC government would increase women’s participation in governance and provide schools in primary communities across villages.
Amaechi also promised to reduce the cost of school fees and make education more accessible to Nigerians.
Speaking on his experience as Rivers State governor, he recalled walking the streets and interacting directly with residents, saying such engagement enabled leaders to understand the realities facing the people.
Earlier, Edo State ADC Chairman, Chief Anthony Alile, said the town hall meeting demonstrated that the party was fully preparing for the 2027 elections.
Alile said Nigeria was at a critical crossroads, adding that the ADC was seeking power to restore effective governance.
He said the people of Edo wanted jobs, security and leadership they could trust, stressing that the party’s message of change was resonating across the state.
ADC leader in Edo Central, Barr. Kenneth Imansuaghon urged voters to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to effect political change.
He said, “APC have AK-47 and we have PVC,” while accusing the ruling party of leaving the state with bad roads and insecurity.
Imasuagbon said the people of Edo were not cowards and would support the ADC at the polls.
In Edo South, ADC leader Senator Osamere condemned the display of weapons in political activities, describing it as a sign of weakness.
He urged Benin people to take a leading role in politics and said the ADC would receive strong support from the area.
The ADC National Woman Leader, Naomi Lasara, also urged voters to go beyond casting their ballots by ensuring that their votes were protected.
The event featured the official commissioning of ADC campaign songs under the theme, “Entertainer for Good Governance.”
In his remarks, Chief John Oyegun, the first elected governor of Edo State, said Nigerians made “terrible mistakes” three years ago and were now paying for them.
Oyegun expressed concern over political intimidation in Edo State, particularly alleged threats involving AK-47s, and questioned whether such a political environment was what the people wanted.
He said he had closely observed Amaechi during his tenure as Rivers State governor and argued that Nigeria needed courageous leadership and experience to address its current challenges.
Oyegun said the 2027 election should provide an opportunity to correct what he described as the mistakes of 2023 and “rescue the nation.”
The town hall also featured the presentation of ADC candidates and members of the party’s state working committee, including Edo North senatorial candidate Haruna Abubakar, Edo Central senatorial candidate, Edo South senatorial candidate Senator Matthew Erohide, and the party’s nine House of Representatives candidates.
Other dignitaries at the event included ADC campaign adviser Senator Osamere, Barr. Kenneth Imasogbon, Senator Nurudeen Usman, Pastor Oseni, National Woman Leader Naomi Lasara, the South-South Woman Leader, Senator Ayo Akinyolore from Ondo State, Jubril Sabi Kiyana from Nasarawa State, former Attorney-General Barr. Mohamed Hassan Abdullahi, Nasarawa State gubernatorial candidate Hon. Asita Hon, and Niger Delta politician Nancy Stephens from Rivers State.
The town hall meeting is part of the ADC’s grassroots mobilisation and engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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