NDC Aspirants, COPDEM Launch “Rescue Nigeria” Movement at National Press Conference in Abuja

By Genesis ogiri 

Aspirants of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to the National and State Assemblies, in collaboration with the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), on Friday held a national press conference in Abuja with a passionate call for political rebirth, national unity, and people-oriented governance.

The event, held at the NUJ Building in Abuja, was themed “Rescue Nigeria: Consolidating Hope, Building a New Beginning.” It attracted party stakeholders, civil society groups, members of the media, and supporters from different parts of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, the group declared that Nigeria was at a critical crossroads and required courageous leadership, institutional reforms, and a united national movement to overcome insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and corruption.

The speakers described the gathering as more than an ordinary political event, calling it “a national awakening” and “a thunderous call to conscience” aimed at mobilising Nigerians towards reclaiming the country from failed leadership and deepening hardship.

According to the aspirants, millions of Nigerians are currently battling severe inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards, while many young people continue to lose faith in the nation’s future.

“Families are drowning in the rising tides of inflation. Mothers go to bed in tears because they cannot feed their children. Graduates roam the streets with certificates that have become symbols of abandoned dreams,” the group stated.

The aspirants also lamented the worsening insecurity across farming communities, saying fear of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism had forced many farmers away from their lands, thereby worsening food shortages and poverty.

They further described corruption as “a cancer eating deep into the soul of national institutions,” while stressing that the Nigerian people had not surrendered hope despite the challenges confronting the country.

The coalition maintained that the theme of the conference was not merely a slogan but a “battle cry” and a “national assignment” directed at rebuilding the country through justice, accountability, security, and inclusive governance.

During the conference, special tribute was paid to the founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for what the speakers described as his courage and vision in establishing a platform for democratic renewal at a time many Nigerians had lost confidence in the political system.

The aspirants praised Senator Dickson’s resilience and commitment to democratic ideals, noting that his efforts had helped create a political movement capable of uniting progressives across regional and ethnic lines.

They reiterated that the NDC and its partners were not interested in “politics as usual,” but were committed to building a people-driven movement focused on competence, integrity, equity, and service delivery.

“We reject governance built on looting instead of service. We reject leadership without competence, compassion, or integrity. We reject a democracy that only awakens every four years to recycle pain, poverty, and disappointment,” the speakers declared.

The coalition also emphasised the need for youth inclusion, women participation in governance, electoral transparency, and accountable leadership, while calling on Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to unite for national development.

According to the group, the envisioned Nigeria is one where every citizen, regardless of background or region, has equal opportunity to succeed through hard work and merit.

Addressing civil society organisations and the media, the aspirants urged them to remain courageous in defending democracy and speaking truth to power, while encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope despite current national difficulties.

They described the ongoing movement as a generational mission to rebuild trust in governance, strengthen institutions, and restore national pride.

The conference ended with a renewed call for patriotism, peaceful political participation, and collective responsibility in shaping the future of the country.

“Rescue Nigeria is not a wish — it is a duty. Consolidating hope is not a phrase — it is our daily struggle. Building a new beginning is our collective responsibility,” the coalition stated.

The event concluded with an open session for media interactions and stakeholder engagement.