Lagos: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a bold call ahead of the 2027 elections: reject tribal and religious bias when choosing leaders. The party urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, unity, and national interest over identity politics, warning that divisive voting patterns have stalled progress for decades.
Party leaders made the call at the 27th Ramadan Lecture and Zakat 2026. The event was organised by Lagos chieftain, Mr Moshood Salvador, in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday evening.
The well-attended event drew politicians, clerics, community leaders, and party faithful. Attendees came from across Lagos State and neighbouring areas.
Speakers stressed that the 2027 elections would define Nigeria’s democratic future. They said the polls would determine the direction of governance for years to come.
Salvador said Nigerians must demand competence, honesty, and unity when electing leaders.
He blamed Nigeria’s social and economic problems on years of weak leadership.
“We have spoken to the people about the need for good leadership. We have spoken about honesty and unity.
“The result of bad leadership is manifest and staring Nigerians in the face,” he said.
He said hardship, unemployment, and insecurity were symptoms of leadership failures. He insisted these were not the result of fate or ethnicity.
He warned against vote-buying, saying that temporary gains from selling votes would lead to prolonged suffering.
“When you vote for the wrong leaders because of bread, rice or noodles, you will suffer, and your children will also suffer,” Salvador said.
He urged young people not to mortgage their future for short-term inducements. He cautioned against accepting such offers during elections.
Describing political power as transient, he said leaders would ultimately be held accountable for their stewardship. This would be before God and history, he added.
“If we do it right, we will get it right. Why can’t we be honest and truthful for the sake of the country?” he asked.
Salvador criticised the new Electoral Act for not requiring the electronic transmission of results in all elections.
He said this change could have transformed Nigeria.
He argued that transparent transmission of results would strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
He urged Nigerians to defend their votes peacefully and lawfully to prevent manipulation.
Also speaking, Dr Jide Adeniji, an ADC leader, said ethnic and religious divisions had long hindered national progress.
“Let’s focus on how the country will be great, not tribalism or religion.
“We should all be united. Nigeria must be one,” Adeniji said.
He said development would remain elusive if citizens elevated identity over competence. He urged people to focus on merit.
The ADC South-West Zonal Chairman, Mr Rahman Owokoniran, praised Salvador as a committed and consistent party man.
He described him as a grassroots politician. Salvador has a track record of mobilisation and service.
He said Salvador had the experience and exposure to serve Lagos State effectively. He added that this was possible if given the opportunity.
“We need somebody of his calibre in that seat. What Lagos State needs is someone who cares,” Owokoniran said.
Mr Chinedu Idigbo, ADC National Organising Secretary, said the party would not bar anyone from contesting its governorship ticket.
He said the ADC remained open and democratic. The party is also committed to internal transparency.
“Unity and love remain paramount. Without unity, we are not going anywhere,” Idigbo said.
He added that political parties must unite Nigerians rather than divide them along ethnic and religious lines.
Sheikh Mustapha Al-Almubarak said the coincidence of the 2026 Ramadan and Lent underscored the need for interfaith harmony.
He condemned killings in mosques and churches. The cleric called perpetrators “instruments of the devil” and said God does not want it.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Salvador distributed food items and Ramadan clothing. Participants included widows and vulnerable residents.
