Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its support group Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN), has announced plans for a nationwide One Million-Man March across 25 cities in Nigeria, marking a significant push for civic engagement and democratic renewal. The event, tagged “Rise Up Naija: Reawakening Citizenship, Restoring Hope,” is set to mobilize youths, professionals, students, artisans, women’s groups, and civil society actors in a unified call for better governance, accountability, and inclusive leadership. Unveiled on Thursday at the ADC headquarters in Abuja, the march is being positioned as a mass civic demonstration rather than a traditional political rally, emphasizing issue-based politics over ethnic and religious divisions.
The National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Aliyu Audu, described the initiative as a defining moment for civic participation, stating that Nigerians must transition from passive observers to active participants in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized that the march is not merely a protest but a coordinated effort to address governance failures, economic hardship, insecurity, and widespread youth disillusionment. “We are not spectators in our country’s story. We are participants and this is the moment to rise,” Audu declared, underscoring the movement’s intent to reclaim public voice in governance.
According to the programme, the One Million-Man March will serve as a launchpad for sustained citizen engagement, grassroots mobilization, and voter education in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Audu explained that the target of one million participants reflects a growing national demand for reform and accountability, signaling a collective readiness for change. The movement aims to unite Nigerians across social, religious, and political lines under a shared vision of democratic renewal and national inclusion.
Former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, commended the initiative, calling it a timely intervention in Nigeria’s civic space. He highlighted the critical role of youth in national development, noting that Nigeria’s successes in sports, music, and creative industries have consistently been driven by young people. “We need this kind of awakening now,” Nwosu said, expressing confidence that by 2027, Nigeria will chart a new course despite inevitable challenges.
ADC chieftain Kashim Ibrahim-Imam echoed this optimism, asserting that the party is committed to solving the country’s problems through responsible leadership. He stressed that Nigeria’s potential lies in its young population, but has been undermined by irresponsible governance. “The problem has always been leadership,” he said, calling for a national agenda that benefits all citizens, not just the privileged few.
Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, criticized Nigeria’s political culture for being driven by self-interest and power access rather than ideology. He described the political class as failing in long-term planning and urged young Nigerians to seize the evolving political landscape to reshape the country’s future. Abdullahi also highlighted insecurity, particularly banditry, as one of Nigeria’s most urgent challenges, demanding immediate and decisive action.
As the 2027 elections approach, the ADC’s One Million-Man March stands as a bold statement of civic resolve, signaling a shift toward a more engaged, informed, and demanding electorate.
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