The Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN) has announced plans to stage a coordinated one million-man march across 25 cities nationwide to mobilise support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

The group said the march would ignite a wave of civic and political mobilisation for national awakening to strengthen civic participation and demand better governance.

At a press conference themed “Rise Up Naija: Reawakening Citizenship, Restoring Hope,” held at the ADC’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the group’s national coordinator, Aliyu Audu, said the ADC support group aimed to unite Nigerians across social, religious, and political divides based on a shared demand for accountability, inclusion, and democratic renewal.

According to Mr Audu, the planned one-million-man march is not a conventional party rally but a coordinated civic action intended to spotlight public concerns over governance failures, economic hardship, insecurity, and youth disillusionment. 

He said, “This initiative is rooted in the belief that Nigerians must move from passive observation to active participation in shaping the nation’s democratic future. 

“We will hold a one-million-man march across 25 cities nationwide. This is a collective declaration that citizens are ready to reclaim their voice in governance.”

The one-million-man march, according to the RUN, is expected to attract youths, professionals, artisans, students, women’s groups, and civil society actors in a unified demonstration of democratic participation. 

Mr Audu noted that the target of one million participants is both symbolic and strategic, reflecting what he described as a growing national demand for reform and accountability, adding that the march will serve as a launchpad for sustained citizen engagement, grassroots organisation, and voter education ahead of the elections.

“We are not spectators in our country’s story; we are participants, and this is the moment to rise,” he added.

Ralph Nwosu, the chairman emeritus of the ADC, who was present at the event, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s civic space. He noted that youth participation is central to national development.

Mr Nwosu said, “We need this kind of awakening now. For the past two decades, messages about Nigeria’s future have always centred on young people. Wherever Nigeria has excelled in sports, theatre, music, and other creative space which has been driven by youths. 

“They have always lifted the country. I’m confident that by 2027, Nigeria will get it right, though the journey will not be without challenges.”

Also speaking, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, a member of the ADC, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and the role of political renewal in addressing governance challenges.

Mr Ibrahim-Imam said, “Our country has a future. The ADC is committed to doing things differently. It must not be business as usual. Nigeria is blessed with every resource needed, especially its young population. The problem has always been irresponsible leadership.”

He added that political leadership must be anchored on a clear national agenda that works for all citizens, not a privileged few.

The ADC national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also noted that Nigeria must break away from cycles of misgovernance and self-interest.

He described the current political class as having failed in long-term thinking about the nation’s future, adding that the ADC is positioning itself as a platform for ideological renewal and egalitarian governance.

Mr Abdullahi said, “We are saying this is where we draw the line. The only thing holding many parties together is access to power. Without it, they collapse. 

“We are building something different—an organisation defined by ideas, not individuals.”

Mr Abdullahi further stressed the need for urgent action to address insecurity, particularly banditry, describing it as one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

He commended political actors contributing to the party’s ideological direction and urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity presented by the evolving political landscape.