The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged Nigerians to emulate American voters by using their ballots to punish the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over its economic policies in the 2027 general election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the call in a statement on Wednesday while reacting to the outcome of the United States midterm elections.

The ADC said the American elections offered Nigerians an important lesson in holding political leaders accountable through the ballot box, particularly when government policies worsen the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

“Americans have shown that when politicians become arrogant, when policies punish ordinary people, and when those in power mistake popularity for a permanent licence to govern, the ballot box remains the ultimate instrument of accountability,” the statement read.

The opposition party argued that elections should be determined by citizens’ welfare rather than political loyalty, sentiments or attachment to individual politicians.

It also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening economic hardship and insecurity, urging Nigerians to reject the APC at the polls.

“We cannot continue to complain about the cost of living while voting for a President who has made life unaffordable. We cannot demand security while rewarding failure. We cannot earnestly yearn for change while sustaining the very political system responsible for our collective impoverishment,” the statement added.

The ADC called on Nigerians to turn out in large numbers in 2027 and use their permanent voter cards (PVCs) to demand a change of government.

“History beckons in 2027. Our voters’ cards must become instruments of change, not souvenirs of citizenship. Nigerians must turn out massively and vote for their own interests,” the party said.

It described itself and its candidates as an alternative to the APC-led government, outlining its proposed priorities as making Nigeria affordable and safe while creating more jobs.

“If Americans can use their votes to demand better, Nigerians can do the same. In 2027, let our votes speak louder than the APC-induced suffering,” the statement added.

The party’s reaction followed the US midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, giving them the power to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s administration and block parts of his legislative agenda.

The results came amid voter dissatisfaction over living costs, tariffs and the economic consequences of the US war against Iran. (The Sun)