From Chibuike Okechukwu, Abakaliki
The South-East chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by three South-East governors, insisting that the action does not reflect the views or aspirations of the Igbo people.
The endorsement reportedly took place during an APC gathering in Abakaliki, but the ADC maintained that the governors involved neither speak for Ndigbo nor represent the collective interests of the South East region.
ADC described the endorsement as a personal political decision, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment as major concerns.
ADC said voters will judge leaders by their performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on behalf of the party, the ADC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Bon Unachukwu, described the endorsement as a personal political decision that was disconnected from the realities facing many Nigerians.
According to him, the gesture amounted to a misrepresentation of the position of the South-East and ignored the economic and social challenges confronting citizens across the country.
“The endorsement of President Tinubu by these governors is an endorsement of failure. It is an attempt to impose a political position on a people who are daily confronted with hunger, insecurity, unemployment and hopelessness. Ndigbo cannot endorse failure, and Nigerians cannot reward suffering with another term in office,” he said.
Unachukwu argued that since the current administration assumed office in May 2023, Nigerians have experienced rising living costs, inflationary pressures, economic uncertainty and worsening hardship.
He maintained that many households and businesses continue to struggle under difficult economic conditions, making it difficult to justify support for another term in office for the incumbent administration.
The ADC leader also expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the continued marginalisation of the South-East in areas such as infrastructure development, federal appointments and economic investment.
He noted that several major federal road projects within the region remain incomplete despite repeated assurances from the government, while other parts of the country have witnessed more visible infrastructure interventions.
The party further raised concerns over unemployment and growing frustration among young people in the South-East, arguing that many educated youths remain without meaningful economic opportunities.
According to the ADC, political leaders should focus on addressing pressing socio-economic challenges rather than engaging in activities aimed at advancing personal political interests.Government policy briefs
The party reiterated that it does not recognise the endorsement as representing the position of the South-East and insisted that Nigerians are increasingly demanding effective leadership, economic recovery, improved security and national unity.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the ADC expressed confidence that voters would make decisions based on the performance of elected leaders and the impact of government policies on their daily lives.
The party also presented itself as an alternative political platform committed to accountability, inclusiveness, economic growth and national development.
It called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides to support efforts aimed at building a more prosperous and united country.