Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to confront insecurity, economic hardship and what he described as growing authoritarianism under the ruling government.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Atiku said the ADC coalition was formed through “hard work, immense sacrifices and compromises” aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from what he called its “greatest threat” since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The former vice president accused the All Progressives Congress government of suppressing opposition voices, engineering crises within opposition parties and using state institutions to intimidate critics.
He specifically referenced the detention of Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that the former Kaduna State governor had remained in custody for months despite court orders granting him bail.
“This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku declared, adding that opposition politicians were allegedly being pressured to defect to the APC through harassment and intimidation.
Atiku warned against what he described as attempts by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the ADC coalition, saying any further attempts would be “fiercely resisted.”
The ADC presidential candidate said the upcoming election would not be a time for celebration but a period of serious political mobilisation to “pull the country out of the destructive grip of a corrupt, incompetent and polarising APC government.”
On security, Atiku said an ADC-led government would strengthen the military, police and intelligence agencies through recruitment, modern equipment, improved welfare and better coordination among security institutions.
He also promised free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary levels, while pledging investments in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-driven skills for young Nigerians.
Addressing the economy, Atiku criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over rising poverty, borrowing and the management of fuel subsidy savings.
He alleged that the benefits of economic growth had been concentrated among a few individuals close to power, while ordinary Nigerians struggled with transportation, food, healthcare and school fees.
According to him, an ADC government would focus on expanding electricity supply, removing barriers to investment and creating jobs through policies designed to attract both local and foreign investors.
On healthcare, the former vice president promised increased investment in primary healthcare and specialist medical facilities to reduce medical tourism abroad.
Atiku also called for unity within the party following the primaries, appealing to aggrieved members and defeated aspirants to work together ahead of the elections.
He specifically invited former Rivers State governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join forces with him in what he described as a collective mission to “save Nigeria’s democracy and the country itself.”
“There are no winners and no losers,” Atiku said. “I am ready to lead. I shall work with you all to continue to build our party.”
