By Luminous Jannamike

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have announced a potential merger aimed at addressing Nigeria’s most pressing issues, including the decline of democracy, economic mismanagement, and pervasive corruption.

The two parties revealed their plans during a joint press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, signalling a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event were Dr Falalu Bello, the National Chairman of the PRP, and Ralph Nwosu, the National Chairman of the ADC, who emphasised the urgency of forming a unified political force to tackle Nigeria’s worsening challenges.

The parties condemned the state of Nigeria’s democracy, citing the deterioration of electoral integrity, especially after the 2023 general elections and ongoing local government elections.

They called for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore trust in the democratic process, stressing that the nation’s future depends on free, fair, and credible elections.

On the economic front, the PRP and ADC leaders criticised the country’s economic performance, highlighting a significant decline in GDP from $493 billion in 2015 to an estimated $352 billion in 2024.

Both parties called for a shift from a consumption-based economy to one focused on sustainable production, job creation, and educational reforms, particularly for Nigeria’s millions of out-of-school children.

Corruption, they argued, continues to plague the political system, with recent instances like budget padding in the National Assembly illustrating the deep-rooted nature of the problem.

They advocated for greater transparency in governance, including the establishment of an independent electoral commission and more stringent anti-corruption measures. The parties also pushed for reforms in the judiciary, which they described as compromised and unable to hold political leaders accountable.

Dr Falalu Bello, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), said: “Democracy is not merely a concept but a process requiring vigilance, refinement and commitment to certain ethical standards from all stakeholders, especially those in State authority. Recent electoral events in Nigeria have raised significant concerns about the integrity of our democratic processes.

“The 2023 general elections, the ongoing local government elections across most states, and recent off-cycle elections, witnessed a political landscape marred by electoral malfeasance. Political actors employed Machiavellian tactics to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process, thereby eroding public trust in democracy.

“Every Nigerian must feel empowered to participate in the democratic process freely, fairly, and credibly. The democracy they claim to champion is in trauma under their watch. It is an urgent priority for us to safeguard our democratic institutions and principles.

“We must foster transparency, uphold the rule of law, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine our democratic values. Together, we must work to restore faith in the electoral process, ensuring that every citizen’s vote counts, as failure to do so will keep driving our nation into anarchy.

“Our nation, which has rightly been labelled the poverty capital of the world, has the potential to be a beacon of economic prosperity in Africa. However, the current trajectory is unsustainable and unacceptable. The rise in unemployment, rampant food inflation surpassing 39.16%, and the exodus of both foreign and local investors illustrate an urgent need for corrective measures.

“We firmly believe that viable and humane alternatives can guide our nation towards sustainable economic recovery. Our people deserve better; they must feel the impact of governance in tangible ways.

“The government should create a fully independent and transparent electoral commission to help minimise electoral fraud and violence at all levels, inclusive of local government administrations. This commission must be provided with sufficient resources and personnel to perform its duties effectively.

“We also propose the following urgent actions: The government must take decisive action to tackle corruption by implementing stringent laws and penalising offenders. Additionally, anti-corruption agencies should receive adequate resources to function effectively, and the government must ensure their operations remain free from outside influence.”

In addition to these urgent issues, the PRP and ADC expressed their intention to unite further political forces that share their vision for a better Nigeria.

They welcomed other parties that are committed to values such as democracy, economic prosperity, and integrity to join their alliance as they work towards the 2027 elections.

They stressed that their goal is not just political power but a long-term commitment to building a legacy that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.

Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated, “After 25 years of this political struggle and democracy, it’s high time we start building something that will last. Those of us involved in this democratic journey will have failed if we do not come together to create parties that will become legacies for the future. That’s our goal.

“The merger talks between the PRP and the ADC are not about us. They are about the need to build a value-driven political party. We need people in politics to converge on some form of ideology and have clear visions of where we are going, rather than seeing parties as mere vehicles for contesting elections and continuing the status quo.

“We call upon all Nigerians—across all political affiliations, ethnicities, and religions—to join us in this noble struggle towards a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. Together, let us defend our democracy, restore our economy, and eradicate corruption for a future we all deserve.

“Our doors are open to everyone, but we have clear principles. We aim to be value-driven, with clear economic positions and a strong commitment to democracy. Any politician in Nigeria who shares these values is welcome to join us.”