By Eze Victor
Former Minister of State for Health and prominent Ebonyi political figure, Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo, has called on Nigerians to embrace alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing worsening economic conditions, declining public services, and persistent insecurity across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki over the weekend, Nwankwo urged citizens to reconsider their political choices, arguing that current governance outcomes have fallen short of expectations. He pointed to the rising cost of living as a major concern, highlighting sharp increases in the prices of essential medicines and fuel.
According to him, drugs for chronic conditions such as diabetes, which previously sold for about ₦2,500, now cost as much as ₦15,000, while asthma inhalers have risen from ₦9,000 to ₦13,000. He added that fuel prices hovering around ₦1,400 per litre have further compounded the economic burden on households.
Nwankwo attributed the trend to what he described as structural inefficiencies, weak policy implementation, and systemic governance challenges, warning that the absence of robust social safety nets could further erode living standards and threaten long-term national stability.
Positioning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative, the former minister said the party is steadily gaining national relevance despite the dominance of incumbent political structures.
He expressed confidence that the ADC could harness growing public dissatisfaction and translate it into electoral success in 2027.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Nwankwo noted that opposition parties demonstrated unexpected strength, signaling a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He argued that this momentum presents an opportunity for credible alternatives to emerge and challenge established power blocs.
On security, he raised concerns over continued threats from insurgency and terrorism, particularly in parts of the North-East, including Borno State, where he claimed some local government areas remain under the control of non-state actors.
He linked these challenges to poor policy execution, corruption, and insufficient political will.
Nwankwo advocated for a comprehensive and coordinated national security strategy, stressing that effective governance must integrate both economic and security reforms.
He also addressed internal party processes, emphasizing that the ADC is committed to transparency in candidate selection through direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
He criticized aspects of the amended Electoral Act, alleging that certain provisions give undue advantage to incumbents and weaken fair competition.
Looking beyond the presidency, Nwankwo underscored the importance of building a strong political base across all levels of government.
He said the ADC aims to secure legislative and gubernatorial positions to ensure effective policy implementation nationwide.
“We need senators, members of the House of Representatives, and governors who align with a common vision for governance,” he said, adding that coordinated leadership across federal and state levels is essential for meaningful national development.
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the country’s political future, insisting that sustainable progress depends on informed choices and accountable leadership.
