From Cyril Mbah, Abuja.
The African Democratic Congress [ADC] has adopted the presidential flag-bearer of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi as its candidate and has urged members throughout the federation to vote for the candidate in the presidential polls.
The party said its activities are based on the fact that the structures in Nigeria today were still very “fluid, undisciplined, corrupt and frail to carry the country to the promised land” and that the nation required somebody with sufficient strength and capacity to withstand the pressures likely to follow the next administration.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on the African Democratic Congress endorsement and star alliance for Obi-Datti to ensure victory, the BOT Chairman of ADC, Dr. Mani Ibrahim said although the party has over 1,400 candidates running for several positions such as governorship, the Senate, House of Representatives and state assemblies, its decision to vote for Peter Obi was in the best interest of the nation.
“Today, we come together as a family and as a formidable third force: our Grand Patrons and Board of Trustee members; our National Executive Council; our National Working Committee; our Diaspora Network and our National Youth Council to take stand in solidarity, moving forward for the viable Presidential Candidate the entire nation is clamoring for.
“After our due diligence and critical assessment of the 17 presidential candidates and what they have to offer Nigerians, and after consulting our Grand Patron and former President, General Olusegun Obasanjo, we decided as a party that the Obi-Datti Movement is a worthy cause to endorse. Today, we form this Star Alliance for one purpose only: to ensure a loud victory.
“This Star Alliance is significant, because we must decide to shape the space mindfully going forward or believe me, this country is doomed. A whole generation of 20/30 years has passed since, after the annulled June 12th election of 1993.
“This democracy was as a result of the combined efforts and sacrifices of many: civil society leaders, concerned professionals, labour, PRONACO and NADECO, Nigeria’s International friends, and many other individuals and patriots.
“Today, Nigeria has become more divided than ever before. Leaders at National and State levels have learnt the art of designing and borrowing frameworks to source money across the world to no end, while they leave the country and future generations in perpetual debt. For over two years now, Nigeria has maintained the shameful record of being the poverty capital of the world.
“The insurgency and brigandage at all levels across the country is mind-bugling. Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping and dangerous activities of herders, who have infiltrated the country from all over Africa continues to leave Nigeria in a state of depression, despair and death. Despite the huge borrowing, the infrastructural deficit in Nigeria today is beyond redemption.
“Apart from the recent CBN’s policy that has taken people back into serious poverty, fuel hike and other National issues are worrisome. If anything untoward happens to our democracy, the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Political Parties will be the most hit as has happened in our not-too-distant history. We must therefore be wary.
“We do not stand alone in this solidarity. Our Star Alliance Partners include the following: Nigeria Mothers for Good Governance, Fulani United, Nigeria Artisans, League of Imams, Nigeria Traders, Yoruba United, Mega Political Coalition, Kanuris United, Nigeria Professional Group, DG Global Groups, Amalgamated Coalitions, Groups and Nigeria Legions United.
“However, while we will do everything within our power and position to ask party members and supporters to vote for Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Amed for President and Vice President, it is our request that for this collaboration to be more effective, ADC candidates for Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and States Assembly positions should receive reciprocal support where they are more dominant than their Labor Party candidates,” the BOT chairman pleaded.
He remarked that reciprocating the gesture “will enable the two parties to have good numbers of legislators to back Obi-Datti’s Presidency. As we stand, we are aware of quite a number of our candidates who have personally endorsed the Obi-Datti Movement.”
Supporters of the party and members of the new groups in the alliance trooped to the venue in their hundreds of the briefing to show solidarity for the alliance.