Former Edo State Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, and former governorship aspirant, Barrister Kenneth Imasuangbon, have expressed deep concern over the worsening levels of insecurity, hunger and poverty in the country, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of inflicting hardship on Nigerians.

They spoke during the official opening and commissioning of new African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariats across the five local government areas of Edo Central Senatorial District, an event Osunbor described as a historic milestone for the party.

Osunbor said the ADC represents a coalition of political groups united by a commitment to Nigeria’s welfare and security, areas he insists the APC-led government has failed to protect. He accused the ruling party of neglecting its constitutional responsibility under Section 14(2)(b), which mandates government to ensure the security and well-being of citizens.

“In Ekpoma here, people are afraid to go to their farms. Insecurity has taken over,” he said. “Boko Haram said they don’t want Western education. Today, they have succeeded in parts of the North. Many schools have been shut down. We don’t want that to continue.”

He said the coalition forming the ADC has agreed to “set aside differences under one umbrella” to take power from the APC in 2027. He added that the party will soon unveil its manifesto to clearly distinguish itself from the ruling party.

“The character of people like us and those in power are not the same,” he said. “Nigerians are looking up to us, and we must remain steadfast. Nigerians must resist the temptation of money bags to sell their conscience.”

Barrister Ken Imasuangbon, donor of the newly commissioned secretariats and a popular philanthropist known for his annual rice-sharing outreach, also condemned the hardship being experienced nationwide.

“We in ADC are tired of what is happening in our country. Even during the military, it was not this harsh and wicked,” he said.

Describing poverty as “the middle name of many Nigerians,” he blamed the APC-led government for the hunger and insecurity spreading across communities, particularly in Edo Central.

“Our people can no longer farm. Esan land has been taken over by marauders and bandits,” he said.

Directly addressing President Bola Tinubu, he asked, “Mr President, is this the kind of country you want to bequeath to our children and grandchildren?” He urged Nigerians to “rise to defend our fatherland” and ensure the APC is voted out in 2027.

Edo State ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, also lamented the socio-economic challenges confronting the country, insisting the time has come for Nigerians to “walk the talk” and reclaim the nation.

The colourful commissioning ceremony attracted key party leaders, including Edo Central Senatorial leader Braimoh Okonofua, Christopher Ojeikere, Stella Alli, Hon. Daniel Asekhame and Hon. Tony Alile, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

After the commissioning, party leaders converged for a senatorial meeting hosted by Imasuangbon, where free bags of rice were distributed to members ahead of the festive season.