The Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN) has announced plans for a nationwide civic mobilisation campaign aimed at promoting good governance, citizen participation, and democratic accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement intends to stage a coordinated One Million-Man March across 25 cities under the theme: 'Rise Up Naija: Reawakening Citizenship, Restoring Hope.'
National Awakening Initiative
Organisers described the initiative as a national awakening designed to unite Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides. The mobilisation, primarily driven by youths and middle-aged members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), seeks to shift political discourse from identity politics to issue-based engagement focusing on governance, accountability, economic reforms, and national development.
Details of the Campaign
Speaking at the ADC headquarters in Abuja, the National Coordinator of RUN, Dr. Aliyu Audu, stated that 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.' He added 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. We are not spectators in our country's story. We are participants. And this is the moment to rise,' he said.
Expected Participation
Organisers expect the One Million-Man March to attract youths, students, professionals, artisans, women groups, and civil society organisations, describing it as a united call for democratic renewal and responsive leadership. Chairman emeritus of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, commended the initiative, stating that 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 Challenges
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. Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources. What has been lacking is responsible leadership,' he said.
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. We are building something different — an organisation defined by ideas, not individuals,' he stated.
Abdullahi also stressed the need for urgent action against insecurity and banditry, describing them as major threats to national stability and development. 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.
