2027: PRP, ADC merger looms as parties seek alliance to dislodge APC

…say Nigeria is at crossroads

By Tunde Opalana

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) may merge and in alliance with other progressively minded parties firm a mega party capable of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was revealed on Friday in Abuja at a joint press conference addressed by
both the National Chairman of the PRP, Dr. Falalu Bello and his counterpart, Ralph Nwosu,of the ADC.

Concerned by the alarming state of the nation, both leaders identified corruption and misgovernance as challenges to the nation’s democracy and concluded that Nigeria is at a crossroads.

According to them, it is an urgent priority for to safeguard the nation’s democratic institutions and principles by fostering transparency, uphold the rule of law, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine our democratic values.

READ ALSO: Niger Gov present N1,6 Trillion Naira Budget proposal…

Both parties they must work to “restore faith in the electoral process, ensuring that every citizen’s vote counts, as failure to do so will keep driving the nation into anarchy while stressing that they are jointly committed to champion the course of true democracy and Nigeria redemption.

Determined to chat a new course, Falalu Bello and Ralph Nwosu said “we are pleased to announce that the PRP and ADC have initiated discussions regarding a potential Alliance which may lead to merger aimed at fostering positive change in Nigeria.

“We invite other political parties that share our vision and values to join us in this endeavour, as we work together to liberate our nation from the challenges posed by the APC. Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigeria.”

The parties condemned recent electoral events in Nigeria which they said have raised significant concerns about the integrity of democratic processes.

“The 2023 general elections, the ongoing local government elections across most states, and recent off-cycle elections, witnessed a political landscape marred by electoral malfeasance. Political actors employed Machiavellian tactics to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process, thereby eroding public trust in democracy.

“We must categorically denounce the compromising of electoral officials, the stifling of opposition voices, and the blatant disregard for established rules. By the conduct the various State Governor have shown complete disdain for democratic horns. This conduct is unacceptable. Every Nigerian must feel empowered to participate in the democratic process freely, fairly, and credibly,” they said.

On the economic front, both parties lamented that the substantial revenue garnered from the removal of petroleum subsidies, multiple exchange rates, and increased energy costs has not translated into the promised provision of social amenities.

Instead, they submitted that Nigerians are “left with mere claims of slight budget deficit reductions, misuse of statistics to deceive Nigerian, and the failure to address rampant wasteful spending and ostentatious consumption among our leaders.

“The current trajectory is unsustainable and unacceptable. The rise in unemployment, rampant food inflation surpassing 39.16%, and the exodus of both foreign and local investors illustrate an urgent need for corrective measures.

“Recent findings by the Bretton Woods Institutions said to have informed the reforms we have been witnessing since May 2023 have indicated increasing poverty levels, emphasizing the harmful effects of poorly advised economic policies. Our people deserve better; they must feel the impact of governance in tangible ways.”

The leaders said corruption has become deeply entrenched in the political system, crippling national development and public trust while blaming the APC and PDP administrations in the last two decades for creating an environment where corruption is not only tolerated but celebrated.

“This pervasive culture has deeply impacted the psyche of our citizens, promoting the belief that dishonesty and fraud are viable pathways to success,” they said

Both parties, therefore proposed urgent actions which includes; creation of a fully independent and transparent electoral commission to help minimize electoral fraud and violence at all levels, inclusive of local government administrations, adding that the commission must be provided with sufficient resources and personnel to perform its duties effectively.

Both parties proposed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be entrusted with conducting local government elections in Nigeria, as its efforts are superior to the sham elections orchestrated by the so-called state electoral commissions.

They demanded from the Federal Government decisive action to tackle corruption by implementing stringent laws and penalizing offenders, adding that anti-corruption agencies should receive adequate resources to function effectively, and the government must ensure their operations remain free from outside influence.

They called for a genuinely independent, incorruptible, and fair judiciary is essential for protecting democracy and preventing its potential downfall because the current judicial system is plagued by corruption, making it imperative to cleanse it of dishonest judges and other court officials.

“In conclusion, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stand united in our commitment to revive and reinforce our democracy, rejuvenate our economy, and eradicate the pervasive corruption that threatens our nation’s future.

“We call upon all Nigerians—across all political affiliations, ethnicities, and religions—to join us in this noble struggle towards a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. Together, let us defend our democracy, restore our economy, and eradicate corruption for a future we all deserve.

“As we navigate through troubling times, our commitment to our democracy, revitalizing the economy, and the eradication of corruption are paramount,” said the parties..