From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The strongman of Kano politics, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has told Nigerians to register with African Democratic Congress (ADC), grab their voter card and accord the 2027 general elections all level of seriousness.
This was as he called on his supporters to go and get their nembership registration with the ADC and voters card to enable them to exercise their franchise.
He said this during his official declaration of joining the ADC in Kano on Monday, adding that “the 2027 general elections is a special one. We must attach all level of seriousness to it.
“For you to understand what I’m talking about, from now for you to gain entrance into my house you have to present your ADC and INEC voters card as gate pass. Therefore, I urge you to go and ensure you register with the ADC and voters card,” Kwankwaso however stated
In his remarks earlier, the National Chairman of the ADC, Sen. David Mark has said the ruling party, All Progressive Congress represents the most dangerous threat to multiparty democracy in the country.
He said the defection of the former governor of Kano State, Kwankwaso into the party is not merely a political statement, it is a deliberate response to the clarion call by well-meaning Nigerians for all opposition leaders to be united and present a common front to protect the country’s democracy.
He said it’s coming together is to say no to totalitarian rule in Nigeria.
According to him, “Today marks a defining moment in the history of our democracy; it marks a special day in our journey to make Nigeria a better country; and a more united nation. We stand together today, not just as one political party, but as people united to make our dear country Nigeria a better nation. Nigeria, can be better and must work better for all Nigerians.
“His Excellency, Dr. Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, I welcome you and millions of your supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Today, we have come together in unity of purpose, conviction, and vision. Your coming to ADC is not merely a political statement, it is a deliberate response to the clarion call by well-meaning Nigerians for all opposition leaders to be united and present a common front to protect our democracy.
“There is no doubt that the ruling party, the APC, represents the most dangerous threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria today. At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening her democracy, we are witnessing a dangerous drift to weaken opposition. We are witnessing a steady attempt to concentrate power in an individual and edge our nation toward a one-party state.
“Your joining the ADC represents our collective resolve to align with the people. The ruling party is determined to leave the people with no choice. Nigerians must have a choice. Nigerians must have the right to choose. In a democracy, participation is everything. And anything that is done to close the space on participation is a direct attack on democracy and must be resisted through all lawful means.
“What we are witnessing today is one of those lawful means. It is our way of saying no to totalitarian rule in Nigeria. It is a way of saying, let the people decide. By coming together, we are sending a clear message, that the future of Nigeria cannot be built through domination, it must be built through participation. Leadership cannot be sustained by control; it must be earned through trust.
“The African Democratic Congress now stands as the rallying point of a new national movement, a movement of inclusion, competence, integrity, and progress. A movement not powered by coercion, but by ordinary Nigerians determined to reclaim their country. This is a movement whose time has come.
“We call on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or political history, to join us. Join us in shaping a nation where leadership is accountable, where governance is people-centered, and where every voice matters. Join us in building a country where the part of the country you come from, or the language you speak, does not limit the opportunities you get.
“Even as we stand here, we extend an open hand to other political parties, civil society groups, youth movements, and patriots across the country. The task ahead is bigger than any one group. Now is the time to rise above ego. Now is the time to embrace sacrifice. Now is the time to build a broad, disciplined, and united coalition committed to rescuing our democracy and making life better for all Nigerians.
“Let this moment be remembered as the turning point, when Nigerians chose unity over fear, participation over control, and hope over resignation. Together, we can build the Nigeria we deserve. Together, we can secure the future we desire. The movement has begun. The time is now,” Mark however stated.
Personalities who graced the occasion included the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour party, Peter Obi, former National Chairman of APC, Odige Oyegun and former speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.
Others include, former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, former SGF, Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad, Kashim Ibrahim Imam and Lawal Daura among others.
