2027: ADC unveils governing blueprint, declares readiness for power

2026-03-17 - 17:33

By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday unveiled an interim policy framework ahead of the 2027 elections, saying it is ready to move beyond opposition politics and take on the responsibility of governing Nigeria. At its heart, this was not really about the document; it was about what it represents. The ADC is seeking to show it is a serious alternative, not just pointing out what is wrong with the current administration, but setting out a clear plan for what comes next and how it would govern differently. The party’s National Chairman, David Mark, and Chairman of the Policy and Manifesto Committee, John Odigie-Oyegun, spoke in Abuja during the presentation of the committee’s Interim Report and Policy Principles. “Today, we take another step in demonstrating that the ADC is not merely a political party seeking power, we are a party that is preparing to govern,” Mark said. The report, described as the first major milestone in the party’s policy work, outlines a set of ideas aimed at tackling what the ADC sees as the root causes of Nigeria’s economic problems, insecurity and governance challenges. “Policy is not about sounding intelligent. Policy must be useful. It must be precise. It must produce real impact,” he said. One of the key ideas in the report is that economic reforms should be introduced gradually, with proper planning and protection for ordinary Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. “Necessary adjustments must be implemented carefully, with clear sequencing and strong protection for vulnerable populations,” Mark said. The committee also proposed that ‘survival income’ must not be taxed, arguing that many Nigerians already bear the burden of providing basic services for themselves. It further recommended a Social Protection Act to make welfare programmes more stable and less dependent on shifting political interests. On security, the report emphasised the need for faster and more reliable justice, particularly in cases of kidnapping and banditry, and suggested classifying such crimes as terrorism to ensure tougher punishment. “Swift and credible justice outcomes must serve as a deterrence mechanism,” Mark said. At the centre of the framework is what the party describes as democratic citizenship; the idea that government should be built around the needs of the people, not political elites. “Public institutions must exist to deliver value to citizens, not to serve networks of privilege or political patronage,” he said. Mark also said the party’s final manifesto would not just be a campaign document, but a binding guide for how its elected officials must govern. “This would be the grundnorm from which all our elected officials... will derive their operating and governance principles,” he said. He added that the Interim Report is only the first phase of the work, and directed the committee to complete its assignment within three weeks. Earlier, Oyegun said the committee’s work shows the party is moving from rhetoric to action, positioning itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians. “This framework is therefore not a catalogue of promises. It is a governing philosophy that an ADC government will adopt,” he said. He noted that the committee worked across key sectors, including the economy, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, security, health and foreign policy, developing what he described as a clear direction for the country. “Nigeria must rebuild a citizen-centred state,” Oyegun said. According to him, the next stage will involve consulting Nigerians across the country, refining the proposals, and translating them into a final manifesto. “That manifesto will not simply tell Nigerians what we promise to do. It will show Nigerians how the ADC intends to lead,” he added. The final document is expected to be presented at the party’s National Convention in April, as the ADC steps up preparations for the 2027 elections.