The New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO) has announced plans to mobilise supporters across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 presidential election, following its endorsement of Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The movement said its proposed campaign would involve grassroots political engagements, public awareness programmes and digital advocacy aimed at promoting Adebayo’s policy proposals.
NEDMO’s Acting National Coordinator, Muhammad Yahaya Alkali, disclosed the decision in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Alkali, the endorsement followed an assessment of Nigeria’s political environment and the development priorities outlined in Adebayo’s policy blueprint.
He said the movement considered the SDP politician’s proposals relevant to addressing challenges confronting the country, particularly those associated with governance and national development.
NEDMO maintained that Nigeria’s development difficulties had been worsened by what it described as failures of successive administrations.
The organisation argued that a different approach to political leadership and policy implementation was necessary to address those challenges.
It also expressed confidence in Adebayo’s administrative experience and approach to governance, describing these as factors behind its decision to support his presidential ambition.
As part of its campaign preparations, the movement said it would establish a nationwide mobilisation programme designed to engage Nigerians at the community level.
The planned activities include town hall meetings, political awareness rallies and direct engagements with residents in different parts of the country.
Special attention would be given to young people and women, whom the movement identified as important participants in its proposed political outreach.
NEDMO also intends to use digital platforms to communicate its message and encourage public discussions around the SDP candidate’s policy agenda.
The organisation said its activities would extend beyond major urban centres to communities across the federation.
Alkali explained that the campaign would seek to increase awareness of Adebayo’s proposals while encouraging broader participation in political discussions ahead of the election.
The movement further invited civil society organisations, professional associations and interested Nigerians to participate in its initiative.
It described the proposed collaboration as an opportunity to promote discussions about leadership, accountability and policies intended to address citizens’ needs.
NEDMO also disclosed that its endorsement of Adebayo had received the approval of its founder and convener.
The statement, however, did not identify specific dates for the planned town hall meetings and rallies.
It also provided no information about the financial resources required for the campaign or the number of supporters the movement hopes to mobilise.
The declaration represents another public expression of political support ahead of the 2027 elections, although the extent of NEDMO’s organisational presence across the country was not detailed.
For now, the movement’s announced activities remain proposals, with their implementation dependent on the mobilisation arrangements it puts in place.
Ezeana Emmanuel
