Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara has declared that Nigeria's survival and future rest on the caliber of leaders chosen in the 2027 general elections. He urged citizens to transcend partisan, ethnic, and religious biases when selecting their representatives.
Wabara's 78th Birthday Message
Speaking as he marked his 78th birthday, Wabara identified poor leadership as Nigeria's most significant challenge. He argued that the country's abundant human and natural resources have been squandered by successive administrations. The greatest birthday gift Nigerians could offer him, he said, would be for millions of eligible voters to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively engage in shaping the nation's future through the ballot box.
Call for Opposition Unity
Wabara, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called on opposition political parties to unite and form a common front ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that such unity is essential to rescue the country from economic mismanagement, democratic decline, and worsening insecurity.
He maintained that Nigeria's problems are not due to a lack of resources or talented citizens but stem from poor leadership. “Our greatest problem is bad leadership. Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources and extraordinary human capital. We should not be battling the levels of poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity that currently confront us,” he said.
Economic Hardship and Insecurity
The former senator representing Abia South Senatorial District lamented the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, growing unemployment, and increasing hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. He noted that millions can no longer afford basic necessities, while businesses struggle under difficult economic conditions. “Businesses are shutting down, investors are losing confidence, families are struggling to survive, and insecurity continues to spread across various parts of the country, contrary to the vision of our founding fathers,” he stated.
Criticism of APC
Wabara accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to deliver on its promises, warning that a continuation of its leadership beyond 2027 could exacerbate the country's challenges. “The APC promised change, but Nigerians have witnessed a steady decline in living standards, deepening divisions, mounting debt burdens, and worsening insecurity,” he said.
He also expressed concern over attempts to weaken opposition voices and shrink democratic space, emphasizing that democracy thrives on accountability, competition of ideas, and respect for dissenting opinions. “No democracy can survive without a vibrant opposition. Efforts to intimidate, weaken, or silence opposing voices are dangerous to democratic development,” he added.
Appeal to Opposition Parties
Addressing opposition parties, Wabara urged them to prioritize national interest over personal ambition. “This is not the time for political ego, unnecessary rivalries, or personal ambitions. The opposition must unite and build a broad coalition of patriotic Nigerians committed to rescuing the country,” he said.
He called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their PVCs and participate actively in the democratic process, describing the ballot as the most powerful instrument for peaceful change. The elder statesman also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, security agencies, and other democratic institutions to discharge their responsibilities with patriotism, integrity, and impartiality. “Nigeria's survival must come before every other consideration. INEC, security agencies, and all institutions involved in the electoral process must remain neutral and place national interest above every other consideration. The future of our democracy depends on their conduct,” he said.
Optimism for Nigeria's Future
Despite his concerns, Wabara expressed optimism that Nigeria could reclaim its position as a beacon of hope in Africa if the country embraces competent leadership, accountability, justice, and genuine democratic values.
