…Commemorates 78th Birthday

Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has said Nigeria’s future and survival depend largely on the quality of leadership that emerges from the 2027 general elections, urging citizens to rise above partisan, ethnic, and religious considerations in choosing their leaders.
Speaking as he marked his 78th birthday anniversary, Wabara described poor leadership as Nigeria’s greatest challenge, arguing that the country’s vast human and natural resources have been mismanaged by successive administrations.

According to him, the greatest birthday gift Nigerians could give him would be for millions of eligible voters to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future through the ballot box.
The former Senate President, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called on opposition political parties to close ranks and forge a common front ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said such unity was necessary if the country was to be rescued from what he described as economic mismanagement, democratic decline, and worsening insecurity.
Wabara maintained that Nigeria’s problems are not rooted in a lack of resources or talented citizens but in poor leadership.

“Our greatest problem is bad leadership. Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources and extraordinary human capital. We should not be battling the levels of poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity that currently confront us,” he said.
The former senator representing Abia South Senatorial District lamented the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, growing unemployment, and increasing hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, millions of citizens can no longer afford basic necessities, while businesses continue to struggle under difficult economic conditions.
“Businesses are shutting down, investors are losing confidence, families are struggling to survive, and insecurity continues to spread across various parts of the country, contrary to the vision of our founding fathers,” he stated.

Wabara accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to deliver on its promises, arguing that a continuation of its leadership beyond 2027 could further worsen the country’s challenges.
“The APC promised change, but Nigerians have witnessed a steady decline in living standards, deepening divisions, mounting debt burdens, and worsening insecurity,” he said.

He also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to weaken opposition voices and shrink the democratic space, stressing that democracy thrives on accountability, healthy competition of ideas, and respect for dissenting opinions.
“No democracy can survive without a vibrant opposition. Efforts to intimidate, weaken, or silence opposing voices are dangerous to democratic development,” he added.

Addressing opposition parties, Wabara urged them to put national interest above personal ambition.
“This is not the time for political ego, unnecessary rivalries, or personal ambitions. The opposition must unite and build a broad coalition of patriotic Nigerians committed to rescuing the country,” he said.

He further called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their PVCs and participate actively in the democratic process, describing the ballot as the most powerful instrument for peaceful change.
The elder statesman also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, security agencies, and other democratic institutions to discharge their responsibilities with patriotism, integrity, and impartiality.

“Nigeria’s survival must come before every other consideration. INEC, security agencies, and all institutions involved in the electoral process must remain neutral and place national interest above every other consideration. The future of our democracy depends on their conduct,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Wabara expressed optimism that Nigeria could reclaim its position as a beacon of hope in Africa if the country embraces competent leadership, accountability, justice, and genuine democratic values.