Another Edition of "This And That"

Nigerians and the ADC Phenomenon

Let me begin with a recent trending topic across Nigerian news and social media: the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The party's central message is clear, they aim to rescue Nigeria from the grip of corrupt political forces threatening our democracy.There’s growing excitement as several smaller parties have agreed, in principle, to collapse their structures and form a united political front capable of dislodging the APC and reclaiming Aso Rock. This is welcome news for many Nigerians who feel disappointed by Asiwaju Tinubu’s APC-led administration. However, while the idea is gaining traction, it is still in its infancy. We must remain engaged, vocal, and supportive as this movement matures into a formidable force.The surge in popularity for this alliance is largely due to the support of high-profile political figures; most notably Peter Obi, who are backing the formation of the ADC as a viable alternative. Nigerians are tired. Tired of the broken promises, failed policies, and a political system that seems rigged against their interests. Yet, many still feel powerless to change the status quo. One question that continues to trouble me is this: why do we remain so docile in the face of hardship? Is it, as one politician suggested, because Nigerians are too poor to challenge authority? Or, as Rotimi Amaechi bluntly put it, because we have made ourselves helpless? Perhaps it's due to our tribal and sectarian divisions, a topic I have addressed many times before.Whatever the cause, the result is the same. We remain stuck in a pitiful condition. And unless we collectively rise and act, the only alternative might as well be to throw up our hands and wait for a new round of colonialism.Our politicians know our weaknesses, and they exploit them. I’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Borrow money from a Nigerian and fail to repay, and you will face curses, juju, and endless threats. But let a politician steal billions, and we shrug it off like it is none of our business—even as we complain that life is hard. So no, I don’t want to hear anyone complain anymore. If life in Nigeria is truly unbearable, do something about it!Sadly, we lack the will. We are great talkers, and as Fela Kuti once said, “Shakara people.” We’d rather suffer in silence than confront the system.

Labour Party and the ADC Movement

The emergence of ADC has sparked anxiety among some Labour Party members. There’s growing concern that the party might lose the one person who put them on the map, namely Peter Obi. And that is understandable. The Labour Party’s surge in national relevance is directly tied to the Obi’dient movement.But let’s take a step back. The ADC idea is still very premature. It is not even a registered political party yet. It remains an experiment aimed at the 2027 elections, which is  two years away. There is absolutely no need for panic.The Labour Party remains strong, especially in the eastern region, and continues to be a preferred platform for many eastern states. For those worried about a potential collapse into ADC: relax! There is no immediate threat to Labour’s structure or relevance.In particular, Labour Party supporters in Anambra, where we aim to unseat an underperforming governor, should remain confident. Peter Obi himself has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party. The ADC experiment is still forming. Until anything changes, our focus must remain on the task at hand: removing incompetence from the government and restoring effective leadership.

Anambra on My Mind

Recently, I wrote about Governor Soludo’s troubling remarks on Ihiala’s security situation. The reality is bleak. Many citizens have been forced to flee their homes. Rather than offer support or solutions, the Governor blamed Ihiala citizens, forgetting that he is the Chief Security Officer of the state. One forum member suggested we give him another chance. But I ask: Why? This administration had four years to prove itself and failed. Leadership should be demonstrated in your first term, not promised in your second. We’ve seen little progress, and now we are expected to believe that the next four years will be different?This blind loyalty to failed leaders must end. Our reverence for money and power, especially during election season, continues to betray us. But this time must be different.We are the Light of the Nation. Anambra has always been a pace-setter—a state that rebuilt its economy from the ashes of civil war, with only £20 handed to each family. We are resilient, resourceful, and proud.We must reject mediocrity and underperformance. We must embrace the future, and Labour provides that pathway. The time to act is now. Let us not wait another four years to find out and by then it is too late.Get on board—or be left behind. The choice is ours. And I believe Anambra will choose wisely.

—Chief Charles Odimgbe, writing from Savannah GA