*Vows to designate kidnapping, banditry as acts of terrorism
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday unveiled key policy directions ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising tax relief for low-income Nigerians and decisive action to tackle insecurity.
The coalition party similarly revealed that it will not hesitate to designate kidnapping and banditry as acts of terrorism if elected into office next year.
The National Chairman of the ADC and former Senate President, Senator David Mark said this on Tuesday while receiving the interim report of the party’s Policy and Manifesto committee chaired by former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun in Abuja.
Mark pointed out that any act of
terrorism, under the APC government, will receive the harshest possible punishment under the law
He pointed out that ADC was committed to building a people-centred governance framework that prioritises economic fairness and national security.
Mark declared that the party would not tax Nigerians struggling to survive, stressing that a fair tax system must shield the most vulnerable in society.
According to him, “A nation where citizens are providing their own electricity, security, and basic services cannot build prosperity by taxing survival income.
“The burden of adjustment must be carried by those with the greatest capacity to contribute,” he said.
Mark described the report as a critical step in the ADC’s preparation to govern, noting that the party was focused on offering practical solutions rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
His words, “Today, we are demonstrating that the ADC is not merely seeking power. We are preparing to govern with clarity, with ideas, and with a strong commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians”.
On the issue of insecurity, the ADC chairman vowed that an ADC-led government would take firm and decisive measures to end the wave of violence across the country, including kidnapping and banditry.
He disclosed that the party was considering classifying such crimes as acts of terrorism to ensure that offenders face the harshest penalties under the law.
“Too often, arrests are made, but justice does not follow swiftly enough to serve as a deterrent. This must change. Swift and credible justice outcomes will be central to our security framework,” he said.
Mark also emphasised the need for a more humane and structured approach to economic reforms, revealing that the party would adopt a policy of gradual and sequenced reforms with social cushioning.
According to him, abrupt policy changes without adequate protection for vulnerable groups have historically worsened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
“Reforms must be responsible and humane. They must be implemented carefully, with strong protections for the most vulnerable so that economic progress does not come at the cost of human suffering,” he added.
The ADC chairman further highlighted plans to institutionalize social protection programmes through legislation, ensuring continuity regardless of changes in government.
He explained that such a framework would prevent the disruption of safety-net initiatives and guarantee long-term support for disadvantaged citizens.
Earlier in his remarks, Oyegun said the committee had been mandated to develop a coherent and solution-driven policy framework that would position the ADC as a “government-in-waiting.”
“We were asked to move from rhetoric to policy clarity, from aspiration to execution, and from opposition to preparedness,” he said.
The former Governor of Edo State noted that the committee, working through 11 specialised sub-committees, examined critical sectors of the Nigerian economy and governance structure, including security, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialization.
“The outcome is an emerging compendium of policy principles that provides a clear strategic direction for the party,” Oyegun said.
Central to the framework, according to him, is the idea of building a citizen-centred state where governance is driven by the needs and welfare of the people.
“This is not just a list of promises. It is a governing philosophy designed to ensure that institutions serve citizens, the economy creates jobs, and security agencies effectively protect communities,” he added.
Oyegun also acknowledged that the interim report marked only the first phase of the committee’s assignment, noting that the next stage would involve extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.
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