ADC plans nationwide one million-man march ahead of 2027 elections

…as Rise Up Naija Unveils Nationwide Civic Mobilisation Across 25 Cities

A wave of civic and political mobilisation is beginning to build ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN) unveiled plans to stage a coordinated One Million-Man March across 25 cities in Nigeria.

Organisers described the initiative as a “national awakening” designed to strengthen civic engagement, encourage active citizenship, and push for improved governance across the country.

The movement, themed “Rise Up Naija: Reawakening Citizenship, Restoring Hope,” is expected to serve as a major platform for mobilising Nigerians, particularly young people and middle-aged citizens, toward greater participation in the democratic process.

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Aliyu Audu, is being positioned as a mass civic demonstration designed to unite Nigerians across social, religious, and political divides under a shared call for accountability, inclusion, and democratic renewal.

According to Audu, the One Million-Man March is not a conventional party rally but a coordinated civic action intended to spotlight public concerns over governance failures, economic hardship, insecurity, and youth disillusionment.

He said the initiative is rooted in the belief that Nigerians must move from passive observation to active participation in shaping the nation’s democratic future.

Describing the mobilisation as a defining moment for civic engagement, Audu said the movement reflects “a collective declaration that citizens are ready to reclaim their voice in governance.”

The march, according to RUN, is expected to attract youths, professionals, artisans, students, women’s groups, and civil society actors in a unified demonstration of democratic participation.

Audu insist that the target of one million participants is both symbolic and strategic, reflecting what they describe as a growing national demand for reform and accountability adding the march will serve as a launchpad for sustained citizen engagement, grassroots organisation, and voter education ahead of the elections.

Audu maintained that the mobilisation is only the beginning of a broader civic movement. “We are not spectators in our country’s story,” he said. “We are participants. And this is the moment to rise.”

Goodwill messages from political figures at the launch held at the ADC headquarters in Abuja reflected a mix of optimism and urgency.

Chairman emeritus of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s civic space. He said youth participation remains central to national development and praised the “Rise Up Naija” concept as a movement that resonates across generations.

“We need this kind of awakening now,” he said. “For the past two decades, messages about Nigeria’s future have always centred on young people. Wherever Nigeria has excelled in sports, theatre, music, and other creative space which has been driven by youths.

“They have always lifted the country. I am confident that by 2027, Nigeria will get it right, though the journey will not be without challenges.”

Also speaking, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam expressed optimism about the country’s future and the role of political renewal in addressing governance challenges.

He said Nigeria remains richly endowed with human and natural resources, noting that the country’s major challenge lies in leadership failure rather than capacity.

“Our country has a future,” he said. “The ADC is committed to doing things differently. It must not be business as usual. Nigeria is blessed with every resource needed especially its young population. The problem has always been irresponsible leadership.”

He added that political leadership must be anchored on a clear national agenda that works for all citizens, not a privileged few.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, also delivered a strongly worded critique of Nigeria’s political culture, saying the country must break from cycles of misgovernance and self-interest.

He described the political class as having failed in long-term thinking about the nation’s future, adding that the ADC is positioning itself as a platform for ideological renewal and egalitarian governance.

“We are saying this is where we draw the line,” he said. “The only thing holding many parties together is access to power. Without it, they collapse. We are building something different—an organisation defined by ideas, not individuals.”

Abdullahi further stressed the need for urgent action to address insecurity, particularly banditry, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

He commended political actors contributing to the party’s ideological direction and urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity presented by the evolving political landscape.

The event also drew reflections on Nigeria’s historical leadership legacy, with speakers invoking figures such as Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo, noting that the country’s current generation has a responsibility to define its own chapter in history.