Presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, Oluwadare Joseph Faduri, popularly known as Fadojoe, has challenged Nigerian youths and women to break into the country’s political leadership, declaring that the time has come to dislodge what he described as an entrenched political establishment.
Faduri said Nigeria could not continue to entrust its future to politicians who, according to him, had dominated the country’s political space for decades without delivering the desired transformation.
The presidential hopeful spoke while addressing members of his political movement in Abuja, where he urged youths and women to reject a political system he accused of exploiting them during elections only to exclude them from meaningful participation in governance.
A medical professional who spent about 15 years in the United States, Faduri said his decision to enter politics in 2022 was driven by his concern over worsening hardship, unemployment, insecurity and economic frustration confronting Nigerians.
He said his proposed administration would prioritise measures aimed at reducing the burden of living on ordinary Nigerians, including the restoration of fuel subsidy to bring down petrol prices.
Faduri also identified electricity as a critical area of his agenda, arguing that solving Nigeria’s power crisis would unlock economic opportunities and reduce several other challenges confronting the country.
“Light is fixable. What we need is light, it’s not coastal road. When we fix light, we cut Nigeria’s problems halfway,” he said.
‘Youths must take over’
The AA candidate particularly challenged Nigerian youths to stop waiting for older politicians to hand over power and instead prepare themselves to lead.
“This country needs a younger generation like us to run it. We have the exposure needed and we have empathy, having suffered in the early years, growing up as an orphan,” he said.
Faduri argued that personal experience of hardship could help leaders better understand the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“If you have not suffered before, you will not understand what it is to suffer,” he added.
He further criticised politicians who, according to him, had enjoyed the benefits of Nigeria for decades while the majority of citizens continued to struggle.
“The fact remains that some of these people have never suffered in their life. For the past 30 years, they have been enjoying the best of Nigeria,” he said.
‘Women, youths used during elections’
Faduri also accused the political establishment of deliberately mobilising youths and women during elections but sidelining them once political power is secured.
He called for greater representation of both groups in governance and urged them to become active participants rather than merely campaign foot soldiers.
On the economy, he proposed greater support for local manufacturing, particularly the production and patronage of Nigerian-made vehicles.
According to him, promoting locally manufactured automobiles would stimulate domestic industries, create employment and keep more economic value within the country.
His agenda also includes free and compulsory education, improved welfare for teachers, better public healthcare and increased investment in electricity generation and distribution.
Faduri demands action from INEC
Faduri also took his campaign to the doorstep of the Independent National Electoral Commission, calling on its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to act on a court order he referenced concerning the leadership of the Action Alliance.
He urged the INEC chairman to recognise Barrister Kenneth Udeze as the authentic chairman of the party and recognise his candidacy.
Faduri warned that failure to comply with the court order could raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
He said the matter should be addressed “except INEC Chairman is indirectly working to stop this election from holding.”
‘Time to pass the baton’
Faduri framed the 2027 presidential election as a battle between the established political class and a younger generation seeking to take control of Nigeria’s leadership.
“This election is about me and other politicians. And it’s time for them to pass the baton,” he declared.
“I am the youngest of all of them. These are people who have been running Nigeria for over three decades now. They are former Governors, former Senators, former this and former that.
“What they have done is not good enough. Hence, I have decided to present myself for the rescue mission of our dear country.”
With the 2027 presidential contest gradually taking shape, Faduri’s message places youth inclusion, economic hardship, electricity and a generational transfer of political power at the centre of his campaign pitch.