Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to lead a united opposition coalition to “rescue Nigeria” after emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his acceptance speech following the party’s presidential primary, Atiku expressed gratitude to party members for entrusting him with the ticket, describing the mandate as a “singular honour.”
“I wish to express my profound appreciation for the privilege which you have bestowed on me of leading our great party, the African Democratic Congress, into the next elections as its Presidential Candidate,” he said.
The former Vice President said the ADC primary demonstrated that democracy remained alive within the opposition despite what he described as growing political intolerance under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the ADC coalition was formed through “hard work, immense sacrifices and compromises” to confront what he termed the greatest threat to Nigeria’s democracy since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Atiku accused the Federal Government of allegedly engineering crises within opposition parties through the use of state institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and elements within the judiciary.
He also alleged that opposition politicians were being harassed and intimidated, citing the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, despite reported court orders granting him bail.
“This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku declared, alleging that anti-corruption agencies were being used to coerce opposition figures into joining the APC.
The ADC flagbearer warned against what he described as attempts by the Presidency and INEC to interfere in the affairs of the party, insisting that any move to undermine the coalition would be “fiercely resisted.”
Calling for unity among party members, Atiku stressed that the primary election produced “no winners and no losers,” urging all contestants and aggrieved stakeholders to close ranks ahead of the national campaign.
He specifically appealed to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join forces with the ADC in what he described as a struggle to protect democracy and rebuild the country.
Outlining his campaign priorities, Atiku identified insecurity, education, the economy, healthcare and equitable power-sharing as key focus areas of an ADC administration.
On security, he said the country was facing its worst wave of violence in history and accused the APC-led government of failing to take decisive action against criminal groups.
He promised that an ADC government would strengthen the military, police and other security agencies through increased recruitment, improved welfare, better intelligence-sharing and the provision of modern equipment.
The former Vice President also pledged to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education, noting that over 20 million Nigerian children were currently out of school.
He promised a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector, including improved infrastructure, teacher welfare and investments in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-driven skills.
Speaking on the economy, Atiku criticised the current administration over rising poverty, unemployment and inflation, accusing the government of failing to ensure that economic growth translated into improved living standards for ordinary Nigerians.
He vowed to address Nigeria’s energy crisis, attract local and foreign investment, create jobs and eliminate bottlenecks limiting economic growth.
Atiku also faulted the Federal Government’s handling of fuel subsidy removal and increasing external borrowing, alleging that borrowed funds were being mismanaged through non-transparent contract awards.
On healthcare, the ADC presidential candidate pledged massive investments in primary healthcare services and specialist medical facilities to reduce medical tourism and improve access to quality care within the country.
He said the ADC would unveil detailed policy frameworks and implementation timelines in the coming months.
Atiku urged Nigerians to support the ADC in the next general election, promising accountable leadership and a government focused on restoring economic stability, national unity and democratic values.
“We will provide renewed action to repair the damage done to our economy and society,” he stated. “I am ready to lead.”
