Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been selected as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.
In a lengthy statement posted on his verified X account on Wednesday night, Atiku expressed gratitude to party members for the honour and pledged to lead the opposition coalition in the bid to rescue Nigeria from what he described as the misrule of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku said the primaries demonstrated that democracy remains alive within the ADC, unlike what he claimed is happening under the APC-led federal government. He stated that members were allowed to contest freely in a transparent process.
He described the ADC as a coalition built on hard work, sacrifices and compromises, aimed at rescuing the country’s democracy, which he said faces its greatest threat since 1999.
The former vice president accused the APC government of engineering leadership crises in opposition parties, harassing and intimidating opposition figures, and using security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to coerce politicians into joining the ruling party.
He specifically mentioned the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying the former minister had been denied bail and the opportunity to be with his family during important moments despite court orders.
Atiku warned that any further attempt by the Presidency, INEC or the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the ADC would be fiercely resisted. He said the party had taken due diligence in forming the coalition and would not allow it to be undermined.
Atiku outlined key areas his administration would focus on if elected. These include:
- Security: Massive recruitment, better equipment, training, welfare and coordination among security agencies.
- Education: Free and compulsory primary and secondary education, revival of infrastructure and improved teacher welfare.
- Economy: Addressing the energy crisis, attracting investments, job creation and proper management of resources.
- Healthcare: Massive investment in primary healthcare and equipping centres of excellence.
He said the ADC would provide “renewed action” instead of “meaningless renewed hope.”
Call for UnityAtiku congratulated other aspirants who contested the primaries, including Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. He appealed to all aggrieved members to close ranks and work together, stressing that there were no winners or losers in the process.
He said the real work of campaigning to win the 2027 elections and rescue the country had now begun.The development comes amid ongoing political realignments in the opposition ahead of the next general elections.
