By CHARLES IWUOHA

Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said the party is positioning itself to form a broad-based coalition government focused on improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking on Prine Time segment of News Night on Thursday, an interview session on ARISE Television, Nwajiuba called on Nigerians who are committed to building a functional, self-sustaining nation to fully align with the ADC, describing the party’s growing momentum as a critical turning point in the country’s political journey.

“This is the time for people who want Nigeria to work to come in completely. Nigeria is beginning to move again, and this is the moment to fix what is broken. This is the time to tell Nigerians that the real work of governance is about to start,” he said.

Addressing concerns about entering a political field already crowded with established parties and formidable political machinery, Nwajiuba dismissed the idea of political ‘heavyweights,’ arguing that the political landscape has fundamentally changed.

“I don’t consider anyone a heavyweight right now. People are leaving their former political homes to join new platforms, and that alone shows that the ground is shifting,” he stated.

He noted that the ADC is attracting experienced political actors, including former presidential aspirants and seasoned professionals, whom he described as individuals with proven capacity, credibility, and commitment to national development.

According to him, the party’s strength lies in trust, shared values, and openness to broad participation.

However, Nwajiuba stressed that his political aspiration is not driven by personal ambition but by the need to expand political inclusion, particularly among younger Nigerians.

“I am not a political activist; I am a politician. I am more interested in bringing in substantive people, younger elements, and voters who represent the future of this country,” he said.

When asked whether he would consider stepping aside or forming alliances if another opposition candidate within the ADC emerges as better positioned to defeat the ruling party, Nwajiuba described such considerations as a normal and necessary part of practical politics.

“We are not in politics for fun. We are here to run a government and to improve people’s lives,” he added.

The former minister was critical of the current administration, accusing it of policy inconsistency and misplaced priorities.

He cited the removal of fuel subsidy followed by fresh borrowing and what he described as extravagant public spending as evidence of governance failure.

“This is not governance; it looks more like a business venture. You remove subsidy today and then borrow tomorrow to fund luxury while Nigerians are suffering,” he said.

Responding to allegations of corruption linked to administrations he previously served under, Nwajiuba maintained that allegations must be subjected to due process, noting that no individual has been found guilty by a court of law.

On education—an area he once oversaw as Minister of State for Education—Nwajiuba acknowledged that Nigeria’s education sector continues to face deep-rooted challenges.

He argued that the problems predate his tenure and require sustained reforms across successive administrations.

“Education is central to national development, but the crisis did not begin with one administration, and it will not be solved overnight,” he said.

Nwajiuba therefore re-emphasised the urgent need for well-meaning young Nigerians to actively engage in the political process by joining the ADC, warning that continued apathy would only deepen the nation’s decline.

“If nothing is done, the country will continue to bleed. Young Nigerians must rise and take ownership of the rescue mission to end the embarrassment we have suffered in the past,” he said.

Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, began his political journey in 1992, emerging as a youth politician during Nigeria’s transition era.

He later served two terms as a member of the House of Representatives, where he built a reputation for legislative engagement and advocacy on national issues. Nwajiuba also served as Minister of State for Education under the previous administration, bringing executive experience to his political career.