By Kelvin Ololo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken its campaign for the 2027 general election to Cross River State, with its vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies and urging residents to support the party’s proposed economic reforms.
Amaechi spoke during a town hall meeting in Calabar, as part of the ADC’s campaign tour of the South-South region. The meeting attracted party delegates drawn from the 18 local government areas across the state’s three senatorial districts, including prominent women leaders, candidates and other party faithful.
Among those in attendance were the ADC National Women Leader, the party’s national coordinator, Bar. Ntufam Ekpo, and the party’s candidates in Cross River State.
Women’s groups and youth supporters chanted in support of the party, while several attendees described Amaechi as the “Lion of the Niger Delta.”
The town hall meeting provided young professionals and party faithful an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the party’s vice-presidential candidate on issues concerning the country and the forthcoming election.
Addressing the gathering, Amaechi described the removal of the petrol subsidy by the Tinubu administration as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic hardship, arguing that its effects had spread across different sectors of the economy.
“Mr President woke up one day and removed subsidy. What he meant was that you are nobody,” Amaechi said, alleging that the policy was intended to punish Nigerians who did not vote for Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor also claimed that millions of Nigerians were falling into poverty weekly, warning that the situation could worsen if the current economic policies continued.
“Every week, 2.25 persons fall into poverty. If Tinubu continues, you don’t know what will happen. But only you can stop him,” he said.
Amaechi challenged political leaders to debate him on the economy and other national issues, declaring that he was prepared to defend the ADC’s position on Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“I’m ready for any debate in everything, including the economy, as far as Nigeria is concerned,” he said.
Amaechi urged party members in Cross River State to strengthen their grassroots structures and mobilize voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
He called on supporters to remain vigilant during the electoral process and protect their votes, while urging Cross Riverians to participate actively in the election.
“Cross Riverians must wake up and rebuild the party in the state,” he said.
He also linked the governorship ambition of the ADC candidate in Cross River State, Nkoyo Toyo, to the party’s performance in the presidential election.
“If we win, Nkoyo becomes governor. If you need her to become governor, you must make us president,” Amaechi said.
He further alleged that the party could face difficulties seeking judicial redress if the 2027 election were disputed, claiming that Tinubu would not allow the party to go to court.
Speaking at the event, the ADC governorship candidate, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, welcomed Amaechi and other party leaders, appreciating the delegates and supporters who attended the meeting.
Toyo said Amaechi understood the difficulties Nigerians were facing and called for a change in the country’s political direction.
She urged supporters to join the party’s campaign, saying Nigeria needed leadership that prioritized the welfare of its citizens.
Toyo also highlighted the ADC’s stated commitment to promoting greater participation by young Nigerians, particularly women and men seeking political representation.
Her candidacy places women’s representation in executive leadership among the issues raised by the party in Cross River State.
Before arriving at Pristine Villa for the town hall meeting, Amaechi travelled through parts of Calabar in a motorcade where he was warmly welcomed by traders at watt market.
He was also expected to meet with the Christian Association of Nigeria as part of his engagements in the state.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this