A fresh northern pressure group, Network of Concerned Citizens (NCC), has urgently called on well-meaning Nigerians, politicians, religious leaders, youths and all critical stakeholders to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensuring various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and ultimately work in defense of the country’s democracy without sentiments or any form of divisiveness
The Congress which is open to all Nigerians, but predominantly northern based, was made up of former State Assembly Speakers, former lawmakers at both Federal and State Assemblies, former Local Government Chairmen, leaders of civil society groups, academia, diplomats, trade union leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, and youth organizations expressed deep concern over the socio-political situation in the country as Nigeria prepares for another election circle in 2027.
NCC made the clarion call in a statement made available to newsmen by its convener, a former General Secretary of Nigeria Union Of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) and former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Comrade Adamu Song, the Wakili Asbiti Adamawa, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The Congress, according to the statement, noted it was willing and determined to work with any political party or political candidate who believed in its ideals. It stated further that there was a need for those in power to strengthen fundamental constitutional principles and values, while also alerting Nigerians to remain intellectually and legally forceful against any anti-democratic forces poised to undermine the constitutional foundations of the country’s unity, progress and its cherished democracy.
“The birth of Network Of Concerned Citizens is potently and patently crucial to take Nigeria out of her current precarious political and socio-economic situations. In the light of this there is an urgent need to reawaken political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, political parties, and democratic institutions nationally and anyone who can patriotically contribute to the survival of our fragile democracy. This is the appropriate time for us to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensure various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and work to defend Nigeria’s democracy without sentiments or divisiveness.
“NCC aims to further ensure that we have a country governed by love, where no one suffers discrimination or victimization, an atmosphere where everyone will be properly accommodated, irrespective of their tribe, religion or background. We want a country where every Nigerian can seamlessly project his or her own socio-economic potentials for the greater good of the country within the ambit of law and order.
“We also crave for even distribution of Nigeria’s resources and wealth, with the popular and valid belief that every Nigerian should have right to aspire for any elective positions of choice and Nigerians should be able to associate with themselves openly and freely with candidates of their choices without any form of harassment or violation of their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the law.
“This has become necessary to guide the citizenry as it is clear that Nigerians need a purposeful paradigm shift as we approach another election circle in 2027 which we are convinced by our calculations that it will never be allowed to be hijacked or manipulated. We remain committed to consistently embark on advocacy to educate and enlighten the people on how democracy and electoral outcomes affect them and their future. We remain unrepentant in dedicating our time and resources to reorient the citizens and work towards eradicating all forms of electoral malpractices.
“Let us also reiterate our resolve that as a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across Nigeria, predominantly from the north, we have come together to show patriotism by sustaining the momentum of protecting and preserving our democratic institutions and values which are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of her citizens.
“We are also desirous of a political structure that will prioritize youth-driven entrepreneurship, industrial growth, and technological advancement. A system that will essentially develop agriculture to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and promote it as a major source of raw materials and foreign exchange. We want a system that will overhaul our educational system to make Nigerian youth more innovative and globally competitive in their discipline and crafts. A system that will provide healthcare for all citizens, including free medical services in learning institutions, for the aged, physically challenged, pregnant women, and other vulnerable segments of our society.
“NCC is also determined to have a system that will look inwards and address infrastructure deficits. Supplying electricity to all areas of Nigeria and encouraging the use of alternative, environmentally sustainable energy sources. Building Nigeria’s brand for export and reducing dependence on foreign products, while also turning around Nigeria’s entire petroleum industry, especially by making the Petroleum Industry Act to be actively and efficiently implemented
“We equally desire a mass-friendly climate that will ensure our refineries are working optimally and Nigerians no longer go through hell in sourcing for domestic, commercial and industrial needs of petroleum products across the country. This Congress also hinges its priority on the importance of safeguarding human rights, security of lives and properties, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining the principles of federalism without bias, inequality, favouritism or nepotism, the statement concluded.
