ABUJA, NIGERIA – Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has stated that it will take at least six years for Nigerians to recover from the impact of the recent subsidy removal. Speaking at a leadership retreat organized by the ADC in Abuja on Monday, Nwosu criticized the current administration for failing to listen to the populace and making policy decisions that have drastically affected the nation’s economy.
Critique of Administration’s Approach
Nwosu pointed out that the first year of the present administration has been marked by instability and inconsistent policies, primarily due to the president’s disregard for public opinion and poor policy implementation. “The President is not doing too well. And you know why? You can’t see hungry people. And the first policy you would bring even before you step into the office was to tell them your fuel price has gone up by 400 percent,” he said.
He emphasized that such decisions have demoralized the citizens and will have long-term negative effects. “It will take them more than six years or more than four years to address the problem that the singular decision they took brings. You are leading people, before you step into your vision, you tell them, you know, your prices to pay for your rent, to pay for your houses and so on has gone up by 400 percent. You more or less kill the morale of the people that will help you to reflect the economy,” Nwosu added.
Focus on Voter Education and Continuous Learning
In a communique issued after the retreat, the ADC stressed the importance of political parties engaging in continuous planning and not just during election years. The party highlighted the need for continuous learning and capacity building for its leaders, stating, “That’s why the party is organizing leadership retreats to develop the capacities of her party leaders. The party believes in continuous learning.”
Electoral Process and Youth Mobilization
The communique also called for changes in the electoral process, starting with voter education. The ADC emphasized the critical role of voters in democracy and nation-building, asserting that their liaison with the electorate must continue in good spirit. “ADC wants change in the electoral process to start with the voters. We will intensify our voter education programmes. The voters are critical to democracy and nation-building,” the party stated.
Ideological Commitment and System Overhaul
The retreat reinforced ADC’s commitment to its transformational leadership ideology, highlighting the need for systematic actions to overhaul the “rotten” Nigerian system. “ADC honed its transformation leadership ideology. And says that the entire Nigerian system is rotten and needs overhaul. Political parties must take systematic actions towards transforming the rottenness in the polity,” the communique noted.
Furthermore, the ADC resolved to mobilize its young members to bring about change at all electoral levels, inspired by the proactive engagement of youths in Senegal. “Members agreed to emulate Senegal youths and to use its young members to shore up mobilization and bring about change in all elections including LGA, state, and national,” the communique concluded.