By: Mandy Park
Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across the 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State have called on the party’s leadership at all levels to remain committed to the ideals of people-oriented governance, stressing that Nigerians are yearning for a credible alternative capable of addressing the nation’s growing socio-economic and security challenges.
This is as they issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), demanding the
immediate release of kidnapped schoolchildren and other victims of abduction across the country, warning that failure to secure their freedom within the stipulated period could trigger actions by the party and concerned Nigerians.
They made the call during a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, where the forum of ADC Local Government Chairmen expressed concern over the worsening state of insecurity in the country and criticized the administration of the ruling APC for what they described as its inability to adequately protect citizens and improve their welfare.
The LG Chairmen present included: Hon. Obiorah Emmanuel, Adealami Temitope, Chief Chukwudi (Chide), Bishop Benjamin Emmanuel Chinedum, Hon Anaere Ugochukwu, Collins Esebemen, Hon Bukola Okeowo, and Hon. Wesley Odeyemi among others.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the forum, the Chairman of the Lagos ADC Chairmen’s Forum, Hon. Anaere Ugochukwu, urged the party leadership to continue projecting the ADC as a responsible political platform capable of providing effective governance anchored on security, quality education, accessible healthcare and economic prosperity.
According to him, the ADC must distinguish itself by demonstrating a commitment to policies that prioritize the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.
“The ADC remains a credible alternative political platform with the capacity to rescue Nigeria from the poverty, hardship and maladministration currently confronting the nation. Nigerians deserve a government that places their interests first and guarantees their safety and welfare,” Ugochukwu said.
He lamented the alarming rate of insecurity across the country, noting that communities, schools and public spaces have increasingly become vulnerable to attacks by criminals, kidnappers and armed bandits.
“Our schools, which should be centres of learning and character development, have become targets of criminal elements. It is heartbreaking to see innocent children abducted from places where they ought to be receiving education and subjected to unimaginable suffering in captivity,” he stated.
The ADC chieftain expressed concern over what he described as the apparent inability of security agencies to effectively tackle the menace of kidnapping and banditry, adding that many Nigerians now live in fear.
The forum called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate release of kidnapped schoolchildren and other victims of abduction across the country.
The chairmen warned that continued failure to address the worsening security situation could further erode public confidence in government institutions and deepen the humanitarian crisis facing affected communities.
They maintained that the persistent insecurity and economic hardship confronting Nigerians are indicators of governance failure, insisting that governments at all levels must uphold their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of its people. When citizens can no longer move freely, send their children to school without fear, or engage in lawful economic activities safely, serious questions must be asked about the effectiveness of governance,” the forum stated.
The ADC leaders also reiterated their confidence in the leadership of the Lagos State Chairman of the party, Engr. George Ashiru, commending his efforts in strengthening the party’s structures and expanding its grassroots presence across the state.
They pledged their unwavering loyalty and support to Ashiru, describing him as a visionary leader capable of steering the party toward greater political relevance and electoral success.
Political observers note that the ADC has continued to position itself as one of the opposition parties seeking to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, inflation, unemployment and insecurity, issues that have remained dominant concerns among Nigerians in recent years.
The Lagos ADC Chairmen’s Forum said it would continue to advocate policies and programmes aimed at promoting good governance, accountability and sustainable development across the country.
