By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Oluwadare Joseph Faduri, popularly known as Fadojoe, has urged Nigerian youths and women to take active roles in determining the country’s political future and reject the practice of using them merely as electoral tools.

Faduri, a medical professional who spent about 15 years in the United States, made the call while addressing members of his political movement in Abuja.

He said his decision to join politics in 2022 was motivated by concerns over hardship, unemployment, insecurity and the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

The AA presidential candidate said Nigeria needed a new generation of leaders with the exposure and empathy required to address the challenges facing ordinary citizens.

According to him, “This country needs a younger generation like us to run it. We have the exposure needed and we have empathy, having suffered in the early years, growing up as an orphan. If you have not suffered before, you will not understand what it is to suffer.”

He criticised the practice of mobilising youths and women during elections and subsequently sidelining them from governance, arguing that the two groups should become active participants in political leadership and decision-making.

Presenting some of his policy proposals, Faduri said his administration, if elected, would consider restoring fuel subsidy as part of measures to reduce the cost of petrol.

He also identified electricity generation and distribution as a major priority, alongside free and compulsory education, improved welfare for teachers and better public healthcare.

Faduri argued that resolving Nigeria’s electricity crisis should take precedence over some major infrastructure projects.

“Light is fixable. What we need is light, it’s not coastal road. When we fix light, we cut Nigeria’s problems halfway,” he said.

On the economy, Faduri proposed greater promotion and patronage of locally manufactured vehicles, saying the development of the domestic automobile industry would stimulate production, strengthen local businesses and create employment opportunities.

He also called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to “do the needful” regarding the leadership dispute in the Action Alliance.

Faduri urged INEC to comply with the court order he referenced by recognising Barrister Kenneth Udeze as the authentic chairman of the party and recognising his candidacy.

He added that this should be done “except INEC Chairman is indirectly working to stop this election from holding.”

Faduri described the 2027 presidential election as a contest between the established political class and a new generation seeking to take over the leadership of the country.

“This election is about me and other politicians. And it’s time for them to pass the baton. I am the youngest of all of them. These are people who have been running Nigeria for over three decades now. They are former Governors, former Senators, former this and former that. What they have done is not good enough.

“Hence, I have decided to present myself for the rescue mission of our dear country,” he said.