By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians to rise above tribal and religious sentiments when choosing leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party leaders made the call at the 27th Ramadan Lecture and Zakat 2026, 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 from across Lagos State and neighbouring areas.

Speakers stressed that the 2027 elections would define Nigeria’s democratic future and determine the direction of governance for years to come.

Salvador, leader of the Conscience Forum in Lagos State, said Nigerians must prioritise competence, honesty and unity in electing leaders.

The former Lagos State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) blamed the nation’s social and economic challenges on years of poor leadership.

“We have spoken to the people on the need for good leadership. We have spoken about honesty and unity.

“The result of bad leadership is manifesting and staring at Nigerians in the face,” he said.

He said hardship, unemployment and insecurity were symptoms of leadership failures rather than fate or ethnicity.

He warned against vote-buying, saying temporary gains from selling votes would bring prolonged suffering.

“When you vote for 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 during elections.

Describing political power as transient, he said leaders would ultimately account for their stewardship before God and history.

“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 failing to make electronic transmission of results mandatory in all elections.

“Such a step would have changed things for Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that transparent result transmission 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.

“We should stop speaking about tribalism and religion and focus on how the country will be great.

“We should all be united. Nigeria must be one,” Adeniji said.

He said development would remain elusive if citizens continued to elevate identity above competence.

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 with a track record of mobilisation and service.

He said Salvador had the experience and exposure to serve Lagos State effectively 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, democratic and 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, describing perpetrators as “instruments of the devil. God does not want it,” the cleric said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Salvador distributed food items and Ramadan clothing to participants, including widows and vulnerable residents. (NAN)

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