The factional governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has declared that the growing wave of protests across Nigeria is a clear indication that Nigerians have lost confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging the party to prepare for its exit from power in 2027.

In a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday, Dagogo described the demonstrations witnessed in different parts of the country as an unprecedented expression of public dissatisfaction with the APC-led Federal Government, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and unfulfilled promises as major factors fuelling public anger.

According to the former federal lawmaker, Nigerians have endured difficult economic and social conditions throughout the APC’s eleven years in power, noting that the last three years have been particularly challenging for citizens grappling with rising living costs and declining standards of living.

He said the widespread protests should serve as a wake-up call to the government, stressing that the demonstrations are not isolated incidents but reflections of the frustration, hunger, and hopelessness being experienced by many Nigerians.

“The widespread protests being witnessed across major cities and communities in the country are not isolated incidents; they are a reflection of the deep frustration, hunger, and hopelessness that many Nigerians are experiencing today,” Dagogo stated.

Reflecting on the significance of Democracy Day, he lamented that the ideals and promises of democratic governance have been overshadowed by economic hardship and growing insecurity.

“As we commemorate another Democracy Day, the prevailing mood across the nation is one of anxiety, despair, and uncertainty. For many citizens, the realities of economic hardship, rising insecurity, and the loss of livelihoods have overshadowed the ideals and promises that democracy represents,” he said.

Dagogo argued that several government policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, soaring inflation, and persistent security challenges, have imposed severe hardships on Nigerians.

He maintained that despite assurances from the government, many citizens have yet to experience the promised economic recovery and relief.

He called on the Federal Government to move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical measures capable of easing the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

“Rather than continuing to offer assurances that conditions will improve in the future, the government should focus on taking concrete and immediate steps to ease the burden on Nigerians and restore public confidence,” he added.

The ADC chieftain also expressed confidence that the APC would relinquish power at the expiration of its tenure on May 29, 2027, arguing that Nigerians are increasingly looking toward alternative political platforms for leadership.

He said there was growing optimism among citizens that a new political direction was possible and expressed confidence in the rising acceptance of the African Democratic Congress as a credible alternative.

“While it is constitutionally certain that the APC’s tenure will come to an end in 2027, there is growing optimism among Nigerians that a new political direction is possible. We are encouraged by the increasing support for the African Democratic Congress and remain committed to working towards a Nigeria that delivers prosperity, security, justice, and opportunity for all its citizens,” Dagogo stated.

He further urged political leaders across the country to learn from what he described as the shortcomings of the APC administration by prioritising good governance, national unity, and policies that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.

Dagogo’s comments come amid Democracy Day commemorations and growing public debate over the country’s economic direction, security challenges, and the performance of the current administration as political parties gradually begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.