The African Democratic Congress (ADC)-backed Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN) has announced plans for a massive nationwide civic mobilisation campaign aimed at promoting good governance, citizen participation, and democratic accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One Million-Man March Across 25 Cities
The movement stated that it will organise a coordinated One Million-Man March across 25 cities under the theme: “Rise Up Naija: Reawakening Citizenship, Restoring Hope.” Organisers described the initiative as a national awakening designed to unite Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides.
According to the organisers, the mobilisation, largely driven by youths and middle-aged members of the ADC, seeks to redirect political discourse from identity politics to issue-based engagement focused on governance, accountability, economic reforms, and national development.
Unveiling at ADC Headquarters
Speaking during the unveiling at the ADC headquarters in Abuja, the National Coordinator of RUN, Dr. Aliyu Audu, said the initiative was conceived as a civic intervention rather than a conventional political rally. He explained that the campaign aims to amplify public concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and governance challenges, while encouraging Nigerians to take active roles in shaping the country’s democratic future.
Audu described the proposed march as “a collective declaration that Nigerians are ready to reclaim their voice in governance,” adding that the movement would also focus on grassroots mobilisation, voter education, and sustained civic engagement ahead of the elections.
“The mobilisation is only the beginning of a broader movement,” he said. “We are not spectators in our country’s story. We are participants. And this is the moment to rise.”
Expected Participants and Support
Organisers said the One Million-Man March is expected to attract youths, students, professionals, artisans, women groups, and civil society organisations in what they described as a united call for democratic renewal and responsive leadership.
Chairman emeritus of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, commended the initiative, saying Nigeria urgently requires a new civic consciousness driven by young people. He noted that Nigerian youths have consistently excelled in sports, entertainment, technology, and other sectors, expressing confidence that the country can still achieve political renewal despite existing challenges.
Leadership and Accountability
Also speaking, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam said Nigeria’s major challenge remains poor leadership rather than lack of resources or human capacity. He maintained that the ADC is committed to building a political culture anchored on accountability, inclusiveness, and national development.
“Our country has a future,” he said. “Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources. What has been lacking is responsible leadership.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised what he described as the self-serving nature of Nigeria’s political system, arguing that many political parties survive mainly through access to power rather than ideology or national vision. According to him, the ADC is repositioning itself as a platform driven by ideas, long-term national planning, and egalitarian governance.
“We are saying this is where we draw the line,” he stated. “We are building something different — an organisation defined by ideas, not individuals.”
Abdullahi also stressed the need for urgent action against insecurity and banditry, describing them as major threats to national stability and development.
Reflections on Nigeria’s Political History
The event also featured reflections on Nigeria’s political history, with speakers referencing Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo as symbols of visionary leadership and nation-building.
