Atiku Emerges ADC Presidential Candidate, Blasts APC Over Democracy, Economy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democracy and worsening Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

Atiku formally accepted the party’s nomination on Tuesday during an event held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where he said the opposition coalition was established to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” from what he described as growing political repression.

The former vice president said the ADC presidential primary reflected internal democracy and transparency, contrasting it with what he alleged was the intimidation of opposition parties by the ruling government.

“In our party, members are allowed to express their views, to have ambitions and to contest for elective positions in a free, fair and transparent process,” Atiku said.

He accused the APC-led administration of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties and suppress dissenting voices ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku also alleged that opposition figures were being harassed through security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to pressure them into joining the ruling party.

Referencing the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku described the situation as politically motivated despite court rulings granting him bail.

“This kind of cruelty must stop,” he declared.

The ADC candidate warned against any attempt to interfere in the affairs of the opposition coalition, insisting that such actions would be resisted.

“Enough is enough,” he said.

Atiku used the occasion to unveil key policy priorities of an ADC administration, focusing on security, education, healthcare, economic recovery and restructuring governance.

On insecurity, he accused the federal government of failing to tackle terrorism, banditry and violent attacks across the country, promising to strengthen the armed forces and other security agencies through recruitment, improved welfare, modern equipment and better intelligence coordination.

“We shall strengthen the armed forces, the police and other security agencies with massive new recruitment, provision of modern and adequate equipment, training, improved welfare and effective leadership,” he stated.

On education, Atiku pledged to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education while investing heavily in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-driven skills development for young Nigerians.

He also criticised the government over rising inflation, poverty and debt accumulation, arguing that borrowing had become central to the APC administration’s economic policy.

“Borrowing has become the cornerstone of the economic policy of the APC government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Atiku further accused the government of awarding contracts without proper due process and promised that an ADC government would prioritise stable electricity supply, remove barriers to investment and create policies aimed at job creation and economic growth.

On healthcare, he promised increased investment in primary healthcare and specialist medical services across the country.

The former vice president also appealed to other contestants in the ADC primary to unite behind the party ahead of the 2027 election, specifically mentioning former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

“There are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership,” Atiku said.

He added that the ADC coalition was built on “hard work, immense sacrifices and compromises” and urged members to remain united in the effort to challenge the APC in 2027.