The governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the 2023 election in Ebonyi State and National Coordinator of the National Coalition Alliance (NCA), Dr. Sunday Andrew Opoke, has warned that Nigeria is sinking into what he called “a dark age of hunger, insecurity, and failed leadership,” stressing that urgent rescue is needed to save the country.
Speaking in Abakaliki yesterday in an exclusive interview, Dr. Opoke said the National Coalition Alliance, in partnership with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political stakeholders, is building a broad platform to confront bad governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria has been plunged into a dark age. There is no direction in leadership at all levels. Apart from those looting our commonwealth, every Nigerian is lamenting. What people are praying for in churches here are basic services government provides for free abroad — healthcare, education, water, roads. Here, even ministers of health cannot use Nigerian hospitals. That is total collapse,” he declared.
Opoke decried the deterioration of Nigeria’s public education system, noting that many government schools have been abandoned. He cited New Layout Primary School in Abakaliki, which he said had become “a farmland instead of a school.”
According to him, the public health sector is equally dysfunctional, while urban water supply schemes across the country have collapsed due to neglect.
“The Azuiyiokwu and Juju Hill water schemes that once supplied Abakaliki no longer function. What government needed to do was expand capacity and fix distribution errors, but today people have no water. This reflects the national collapse of public utilities,” he said.
Opoke insisted that the new coalition is different from past alliances, stressing that it is anchored on a “roadmap to good governance.”
He said the coalition’s reforms will focus on five key areas:
Developing capacity in governance by ensuring appointees combine professionalism with expertise.
Expanding civic education and access to political leaders.
Establishing rural “smart hubs” to deliver education, electricity, and technology to communities.
Promoting wealth creation through a night-time economy with 24-hour industries and services.
Harnessing Nigeria’s human capital in sports, technology, and enterprise.
He announced that on September 26, at the People’s Club in Abakaliki, the coalition will unveil its Roadmap to Good Governance, describing it as a practical template for development.
“A roadmap is like direction. No matter your speed in the wrong direction, you are not making progress. That is why we are unveiling the roadmap — to guide Nigeria into real development like America, the UK, or Japan,” he stated.
While acknowledging that coalitions brought about the APC-led government in 2015, he maintained that Nigerians must not give up on demanding reforms.
“Nobody gets tired of going home. If one coalition fails, people will form another until good governance is achieved. Nigerians must demand it, because it is not a crime,” he said.
He warned that if leaders continue to fail, Nigerians may be pushed toward revolt.
“The signs of discontent are clear. If those in power refuse to provide governance, people may rise in revolution. Our mission is simple: rescue Nigeria from hunger, insecurity, and corruption, and replace them with genuine good governance,” he said.
Nigeria in dark age, needs urgent rescue – Ebonyi ex-YPP guber candidate