A Nigerian academic and politician, Dr. Hon. Idris Bashir Abdullah, has expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the African Democratic Congress, while also weighing in on governance, education, and party politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in an interview on The News Chronicle with Muwaffaq Yahaya Adadu, Dr. Bashir, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Nasarawa State University and an aspirant for the House of Representatives to represent Keffi, Karu, Kokona Federal Constituency under the ADC, described his political ambition as shaped by his experience across academia and public service.
“Antecedent speaks,” he said. “When your past is positive, it calls you to service.”
Dr. Bashir, who previously worked with the National Orientation Agency, pointed to a persistent gap between government policies and public expectations, arguing that many policies fail to reflect the realities of the people they are meant to serve.
“Policies must emanate from the popular consciousness of the people,” he said. “If they are not rooted in the values and lived experiences of communities, they will struggle to achieve impact.”
He emphasized that beyond formulation, effective policies require engagement with communities, cultural awareness, and sustained communication.
On the state of Nigeria’s education system, Dr. Bashir downplayed widespread claims of systemic corruption such as the sale of certificates, describing such assertions as difficult to verify. He argued that differences in graduate outcomes are often a reflection of varying academic performance rather than institutional failure.
“Universities produce graduates across different levels,” he said. “That is why classifications exist.”
However, he acknowledged that inefficiencies and gaps remain within institutions, noting that such challenges are not unique to education alone.
Drawing from his time as a Deputy Director of Quality Assurance under SERVICOM, Dr. Bashir said efforts to improve service delivery often face structural constraints, even when reforms are introduced.
“You will always find gaps in complex systems,” he noted, adding that oversight mechanisms can only go so far without broader institutional support.
He also spoke about his involvement in the Reinforced Peace Initiative, a non governmental organization focused on conflict resolution in North Central Nigeria. According to him, while the initiative adopted community based and research driven approaches, it faced challenges related to funding and institutional backing.
“Peacebuilding requires understanding the terrain,” he said. “Without that, interventions may not be effective.”
On internal party dynamics, Dr. Bashir rejected suggestions of divisions within the African Democratic Congress, maintaining that the party remains intact despite reports to the contrary.
“There is no faction in ADC,” he said, while reaffirming support for the leadership associated with David Mark.
He also addressed concerns about the absence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission at a recent party convention, expressing confidence that legal processes would clarify outstanding issues.
On speculation about possible alliances or defections, including rumours involving the Peoples Redemption Party, he declined to give a definitive position, stating that such matters remain within the purview of party leadership.
Speaking on broader national challenges, Dr. Bashir identified unemployment, inflation, and insecurity as key concerns, and called for more structured approaches to economic empowerment.
“Empowerment should go beyond distribution,” he said. “It should involve building systems that can sustain livelihoods.”
He suggested cooperative based enterprise models as one possible approach, where individuals are supported to operate within structured business frameworks rather than relying on short term financial assistance.
Dr. Bashir also hinted at plans to introduce what he described as the “Idrisiya Movement,” a socio political framework aimed at shaping governance ideas, although details remain limited.
While expressing confidence in his political aspirations, he noted that electoral outcomes remain uncertain and emphasized the importance of accountability in governance.
“It is not a do or die affair,” he said. “If leadership works for the people, it should be supported. If not, it should be questioned.”
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle amid economic and security pressures, his remarks reflect ongoing debates around governance, institutional performance, and political organization in the country.
