The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to look beyond tribal and religious considerations when selecting leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made during the 27th Ramadan Lecture and Zakat 2026 hosted by party chieftain Moshood Salvador in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday evening.
The gathering attracted politicians, clerics, community figures, and party supporters from across the state and neighbouring areas. Speakers emphasised that the 2027 polls would be pivotal in shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and governance for years ahead.
Mr Salvador, who leads the Conscience Forum in Lagos, urged citizens to prioritise competence, integrity, and unity when electing public officials. The former Lagos chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party attributed the country’s socio-economic struggles to prolonged poor leadership.
“We have spoken to the people about the need for good leadership. We have spoken about honesty and unity. The result of bad leadership is manifesting and staring Nigerians in the face,” he said.
According to him, hardship, unemployment, and insecurity stem from leadership failures rather than destiny or ethnic differences. He cautioned against vote-buying, warning that short-term benefits would bring long-term consequences.
“When you vote for the wrong leaders because of bread, rice or noodles, you will suffer, and your children will also suffer,” Mr Salvador said.
He further advised young people not to trade their future for temporary inducements during elections, stressing that political power is fleeting and that leaders would eventually answer for their actions before God and history.
Mr Salvador also faulted the new Electoral Act for not mandating electronic transmission of results in all elections, arguing that transparent result transmission would boost public confidence. He encouraged Nigerians to defend their votes peacefully and within the law.
ADC leader Jide Adeniji said ethnic and religious divisions had long slowed national development.
“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,” Mr Adeniji said.
He warned that meaningful progress would remain out of reach if competence continued to be overshadowed by identity politics.
The party’s South-West zonal chairman, Rahman Owokoniran, commended Mr Salvador as a dedicated grassroots politician with a strong record of mobilisation and service, noting that he possesses the experience to serve Lagos State effectively if given the opportunity.
Meanwhile, ADC National Organising Secretary Chinedu Idigbo stated that the party would allow all interested aspirants to contest its governorship ticket, emphasising its commitment to openness and internal democracy.
“Unity and love remain paramount. Without unity, we are not going anywhere,” Mr Idigbo said.
He added that political parties should serve as instruments for national unity rather than platforms that deepen ethnic and religious divisions.
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