The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday accused state governors of withholding federal allocations meant for grassroots development, describing Nigeria as being in “intensive care” due to corruption and tyranny.
The party vowed that an ADC-led coalition would “rescue” the country in 2027 through a new leadership model.
Chief Ralph Nwosu, former national chairman of the ADC, made the allegations during the Leadership Summit of the ADC and the National Coalition Alliance (NCA) held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
He accused governors across Nigeria of diverting local government funds, imposing excessive taxes, and undermining democracy.
“Every month, each local government receives between ₦300 million and ₦600 million. Governors seize the money, give chairmen just ₦5 million or ₦10 million, and pocket the rest. With 13 councils in Ebonyi alone, imagine the billions siphoned monthly. And after taking these funds, they still tax even barrow pushers. That must stop,” Nwosu said.
He described Nigeria as being in “intensive care” due to corruption and tyranny, but assured that the ADC-led coalition would restore the nation through leadership anchored on selflessness, transparency, stewardship, and service.
Nwosu lamented that governors had turned power into an instrument of oppression, warning that their actions were destroying the democracy that brought them into office.
“You were given the opportunity by God to be governor, yet you are using that power to destroy the same democracy. A new leadership is emerging, rooted in service and integrity,” he said.
He added that he had resisted financial inducements to abandon the coalition’s cause, emphasizing that their movement is beyond politics—it is about restoring Nigeria to health. Nwosu also condemned attempts to brand ADC members as “terrorists” to disrupt the summit.
Echoing Nwosu, Ebonyi State ADC chairman, Comrade Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, described the harassment and arrest of party members ahead of the event as an insult to democracy.
“This is a governor who claimed to level the playing field for all parties, yet our members were harassed and arrested by civilians, not even police. Citizens have the constitutional right to belong to any political party of their choice. Thankfully, the police intervened, released everyone, and returned all seized property,” she said.
Adibe-Nwafor reaffirmed that the ADC had functional structures across all 13 local government areas and 171 wards of Ebonyi State, vowing to contest strongly in 2027.
The ADC National Financial Secretary, Muhammad Akibu Dahaltu, criticized the use of intimidation by APC-led governments, adding that Nigerians had grown weary of the ruling party.
“From Kebbi to Kaduna, APC has always used touts and security forces to frustrate us. But Nigerians are tired after Buhari’s eight years and the current administration’s failures. Who in their right senses will vote APC again in 2027?” he asked.
