By Julius Peter, Abuja

Hon. Preston Wealth Uruemu, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency of Delta State, has declared his support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as an alternative for Nigerians seeking a change in leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Uruemu, who criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said many Nigerians were facing economic hardship and expressed the need for a change in the country’s political leadership.

He argued that Atiku’s policy proposals and plans for the country offered an alternative direction, expressing confidence that the former vice-president could address some of the challenges confronting Nigeria.

The ADC House of Representatives hopeful made the remarks during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, which brought together the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, campaign council leadership, party chieftains, stakeholders and supporters.

According to Uruemu, the current economic situation has left many Nigerians struggling to meet their basic needs, a development he attributed to what he described as the failures of the ruling party.

He said the growing concerns over the cost of living, hunger and economic hardship had strengthened calls for political change ahead of the next general elections.

“Atiku is the alternative for Nigeria at this time. The country needs a change, and I believe he has the plans and policies required to move Nigeria forward,” Uruemu said.

He accused the Tinubu administration of failing Nigerians in several areas, insisting that the concerns of ordinary citizens should be central to discussions about the country’s political future.

The ADC candidate maintained that Nigerians deserved leadership that would prioritise their welfare, create economic opportunities and address the difficulties confronting households across the country.

Beyond his support for Atiku, Uruemu called for greater participation of young people in the country’s political leadership, arguing that the continued dominance of older politicians had limited opportunities for younger Nigerians to occupy strategic positions.

He expressed concern over what he described as the repeated promise that youths were the leaders of tomorrow, saying the time had come for young people to take more active roles in governance and decision-making.

According to him, Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric about youth inclusion and create genuine opportunities for younger generations to contribute to national development.

He also criticised the practice of political power being transferred within established political families, arguing that leadership positions should be accessible to qualified Nigerians regardless of their background.

Uruemu said young people should not remain on the sidelines of politics while decisions affecting their future were made without their adequate representation.

He urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to become more involved in the democratic process and support efforts to promote accountability, inclusive governance and responsive leadership.

Speaking on his ambition to represent Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Uruemu promised to work towards ensuring that the benefits of democracy reached residents across the constituency if elected.

He said his ambition was driven by a desire to improve the welfare of his people and ensure that their concerns received adequate attention at the National Assembly.

The ADC candidate pledged to prioritise the interests of his constituents, stressing that elected representatives had a responsibility to remain connected to the people and deliver on their campaign promises.

“If my people vote for me to represent them in the House of Representatives, I will make sure that the dividends of democracy reach everybody in my constituency. I promise not to fail them,” he said.

He added that his commitment to public service would remain unchanged, regardless of his current political position, insisting that his desire to serve his people was not dependent on holding an elected office.

According to him, he would continue working for the development of his constituency and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents, even before securing a seat in the House of Representatives.

Uruemu said his relationship with the people would remain central to his political engagement, promising to maintain contact with constituents and pay attention to their needs.

He further emphasised the importance of trust between elected representatives and the electorate, noting that political office should be regarded as a responsibility to serve rather than an opportunity for personal advancement

The inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council represents part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, as its leaders and supporters work towards strengthening the party’s political structures.

The event attracted the party’s presidential candidate, his running mate, the Director-General of the campaign council and members of the campaign leadership, alongside party chieftains, stakeholders and supporters.

The gathering provided an opportunity for party members to reaffirm their commitment to the ADC and discuss efforts to mobilise support ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Uruemu’s remarks reflected his support for Atiku’s presidential ambition and his own determination to secure the mandate to represent his constituency in the National Assembly.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, candidates and political parties are expected to intensify engagement with voters, present their policy proposals and outline plans to address the country’s economic and social challenges.

For Uruemu, the central issues include economic hardship, youth participation in governance and the need for elected representatives to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach the people they represent.

He expressed optimism about the prospects of his political ambition, urging his constituents to consider the importance of effective representation and leadership that places their interests at the centre of governance.