By NEFISHETU YAKUBU

The Abdulkadir Bashir-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) has elected Dumebi Kachikwu as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kachikwu was elected on Sunday during the party’s special convention held in Abuja.

His election followed voice votes by delegates from the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In his acceptance speech, Kachikwu pledged commitment to rebuilding Nigeria through inclusive governance and reforms.

He said that ADC had faced threats from powerful political interests determined to weaken the party for personal and political vendettas against President Bola Tinubu.

Kachikwu said that some politicians under-estimated ordinary members and attempted to hijack the party’s structure for selfish political interests and personal ambitions.

“The common man remains the backbone of our democracy, and it is because of them that I proudly accept this presidential nomination,” Kachikwu stated.

He thanked party leaders, members, state chairmen, the National Working Committee and his family for supporting his political aspiration and commitment to national development.

According to him, Nigeria’s present condition reflects years of failed leadership, injustice, inequality and poor governance that had pushed citizens toward economic hardship nationwide.

He stressed the need for a new national charter that would promote equality, inclusion and equal rights for citizens regardless of tribe, religion or regional background.

Kachikwu said that Nigerians must reject divisive politics based on ethnicity and religion, and embrace merit, competence and character in leadership selection.

He pledged to dismantle mediocrity in governance by investing heavily in education, technology, innovation and youth development across the country, if elected president.

Kachikwu said that Nigerian youths must be equipped with relevant digital and technical skills needed to compete effectively in the rapidly-evolving global economy.

He criticised past policies restricting technological advancement, noting that modern governance required support for digital innovation, communication and financial technologies across Nigeria.

Kachikwu promised to prioritise quality healthcare, public education, infrastructure and affordable internet access while discouraging public officials from relying on private social amenities.

“If leaders rely on public hospitals, schools and utilities themselves, they will work harder to improve those facilities for all Nigerians,” Kachikwu said.

He also pledged to invest massively in agriculture, technology parks, broadband infrastructure and renewable energy to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Kachikwu said that his administration would also transform farming into agribusiness, secure farmlands and protect transportation routes linking farms with local and international markets.

The ADC candidate condemned insecurity, kidnappings and ritual killings, promising decisive action against criminal networks, violent groups and sponsors of insecurity across the country.

He vowed to strengthen the military, support intelligence operations and mobilise national unity against criminal elements, threatening Nigeria’s peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kachikwu further promised increased investments in education, healthcare, technology and creative industries to position Nigeria competitively within the global economic and innovation landscape.

He said that teachers would receive better welfare packages, while schools would be equipped with modern learning tools and digital technologies for improved educational outcomes.

Kachikwu also pledged support for women, entertainment industries and anti-corruption reforms through transparent systems designed to reduce incentives for corrupt practices.

“Our administration will support women, promote creativity and build transparent systems that discourage corruption while rewarding productivity, honesty and hard work,” he stated.

The ADC presidential candidate criticised opposition politics driven by bitterness and blame, insisting that future elections should focus on ideas, debates and practical policy alternatives.

He urged Nigerians to support ADC, promising servant leadership, accountability and a government focused on protecting citizens’ welfare, dignity and democratic rights.

“The struggle to protect ADC is the same struggle for Nigeria’s future. Together, we can build the country our people truly deserve,” Kachikwu stated.(NAN)

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