The Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has held a town hall meeting with party leaders, candidates, supporters and other dignitaries as part of its mobilisation and engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which focused on the party’s vision for Edo State and Nigeria, featured the ADC’s 2027 Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Edo State Governor and first elected governor of the state, Chief John Oyegun, and other party leaders.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, used the occasion to criticise the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.
Speaking on the importance of energy to the economy, Amaechi said, “No matter what you do, energy is important. Without it, you cannot produce.”
He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy was carried out without adequate consideration of its impact on inflation and ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, while some people described President Tinubu as courageous for removing the subsidy, he considered the decision reckless because of its consequences for Nigerians.
Amaechi said the policy had affected ordinary women, including those who roast corn by the roadside, arguing that the rising cost of fuel had contributed to increased prices of goods and services.
He said lower fuel prices would lead to a reduction in the prices of other commodities and could also help reduce crime.
The ADC vice-presidential candidate promised that an ADC-led government would introduce production subsidies and create an environment that would make production and businesses easier.
He also promised that the government would ensure the construction of all seaports across the country.
On the 2027 election, Amaechi urged Nigerians to protect their votes, stressing that elections should be won at the polling units rather than through prolonged legal battles.
“You will defend your votes. If you don’t fight for your right, they will take it,” he said, citing Osun State as an example.
Amaechi also promised tax cuts, improved salaries and increased participation of women in government.
He said, “It’s not possible we run the government without women,” adding that an ADC government would increase women’s participation in governance.
On education, he promised that the party would provide schools in primary communities across villages, reduce the cost of school fees and ensure that education was accessible to Nigerians.
Amaechi also recalled his experience as Rivers State governor, saying he interacted directly with residents and walked the streets to understand their concerns.
He said the ADC would pursue policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Earlier, Edo State ADC Chairman, Chief Anthony Alile, welcomed party leaders, candidates, supporters and other dignitaries to the town hall meeting.
Alile described the gathering as a clear indication that the party was preparing for the 2027 elections, saying Nigeria was at a critical crossroads.
He said the ADC was not seeking power merely to take over government but to restore effective governance, adding that the party’s message of change was resonating with Edo people.
According to him, the people were demanding jobs, security and leadership they could trust.
Also speaking, ADC leader in Edo Central, Barr. Kenneth Imasogbon, said the people had the power to determine the direction of the country through their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He said, “APC have AK-47 and we have PVC,” while accusing the ruling party of leaving Edo residents with bad roads and insecurity.
Imasogbon said the people of Edo were not cowards and would support the ADC during the election.
ADC leader in Edo South, Senator Osamere, also criticised the use of weapons in politics, describing the display of AK-47s as a sign of weakness.
He urged Benin people to take a leading role in the political process and expressed confidence in strong support for the ADC in Edo South.
The ADC National Woman Leader, Naomi Lasara, urged supporters not only to vote but also to protect their votes.
The meeting also featured the official commissioning of ADC campaign songs with the theme, “Entertainer for Good Governance.”
Speaking at the event, Chief John Oyegun said Nigerians made “terrible mistakes” three years ago and were now paying for them.
Oyegun, who served as the first elected governor of Edo State, expressed concern over political intimidation and the alleged use of threats during political activities in the state.
He questioned whether such an environment was the kind of state the people wanted, and said he had closely observed Amaechi’s record as Rivers State governor.
Oyegun said Nigerians were currently suffering and needed courageous leadership and experience to move the country forward.
He described the 2027 election as an opportunity to correct what he described as the mistakes of 2023 and “rescue the nation.”
The event also featured the presentation of ADC candidates and party leaders, including Edo North senatorial candidate, Haruna Abubakar; Edo Central senatorial candidate; Edo South senatorial candidate, Senator Matthew Erohide; the party’s nine House of Representatives candidates; and members of the state working committee.
Other dignitaries included ADC campaign adviser Senator Osamere; Barr. Kenneth Imasogbon, leader of the party in Edo Central; Senator Nurudeen Usman; Pastor Oseni, described as the first ADC member in the South-South; National Woman Leader Naomi Lasara; South-South Woman Leader; Senator Ayo Akinyolore from Ondo State; Jubril Sabi Kiyana from Nasarawa State; former Attorney-General Barr. Mohamed Hassan Abdullahi; Nasarawa State gubernatorial candidate; Hon. Asita Hon; and Niger Delta politician Nancy Stephens from Rivers State.
The town hall meeting formed part of the ADC’s broader preparations and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections