The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians to rise above tribal and religious considerations when electing leaders in the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made during the 27th Ramadan Lecture and Zakat 2026 organised by Lagos political figure, Mr Moshood Salvador, in Surulere on Sunday. The event attracted politicians, clerics, community leaders and party supporters from across Lagos State and neighbouring areas.
Speakers at the gathering emphasised that the 2027 elections would play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future and governance trajectory.
Salvador, leader of the Conscience Forum in Lagos State and former Lagos State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, integrity and unity in their choice of leaders.
He attributed the country’s social and economic challenges, including hardship, unemployment and insecurity, to years of poor leadership rather than ethnic or religious differences. He also cautioned against vote-buying, warning that short-term inducements could result in long-term suffering for citizens and their families.
Salvador criticised provisions of the new Electoral Act, arguing that the failure to mandate electronic transmission of results in all elections weakened transparency. According to him, credible and transparent result transmission would enhance public confidence in the electoral process. He encouraged Nigerians to defend their votes peacefully and lawfully.
Also speaking, ADC chieftain Dr Jide Adeniji stressed that ethnic and religious divisions had hindered national progress, urging citizens to focus on unity and national development.
The party’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Mr Rahman Owokoniran, described Salvador as a committed grassroots politician with the experience to serve Lagos State effectively if given the opportunity.
Similarly, ADC National Organising Secretary, Mr Chinedu Idigbo, said the party would remain open and democratic in its governorship selection process, noting that unity and inclusiveness were essential for national advancement.
In his remarks, Sheikh Mustapha Al-Almubarak highlighted the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent in 2026 as a symbol of interfaith harmony, while condemning violence in places of worship.
Food items and Ramadan clothing were distributed to participants, including widows and vulnerable residents, as part of the outreach programme.