Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the next general election, pledging to rescue Nigeria’s democracy and address the country’s worsening economic and security challenges.
In his acceptance speech after securing the party’s ticket, Atiku expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in him, describing the opportunity to lead the ADC into the elections as a great honour.
He said his emergence reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency and fairness, unlike what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress opposition politics in the country.
Atiku stated that the ADC coalition was formed through sacrifice, compromise and a shared determination to protect Nigeria’s democracy, which he said is facing its greatest threat since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
He accused the APC-led government of undermining opposition parties through alleged interference involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies.
The former vice president also condemned what he described as the harassment and intimidation of opposition figures, citing the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, despite court orders granting him bail.
“This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku said, warning that any further attempt to interfere in ADC’s affairs would be strongly resisted.
Calling for unity within the party, Atiku urged other contestants and aggrieved members to close ranks and work together ahead of the elections.
He stressed that his victory should not be seen as a personal triumph but a collective mission to rescue Nigeria from what he described as years of poor governance, insecurity, economic hardship and political intolerance.
Atiku outlined key priorities of an ADC administration under his leadership, including security, education, economy, healthcare and equitable power-sharing among the country’s constituent units.
On security, he promised decisive action to tackle insurgency, banditry and other forms of violence through massive recruitment into security agencies, improved welfare, modern equipment and stronger intelligence coordination.
In the education sector, he pledged to introduce free and compulsory primary and secondary education while investing heavily in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven learning.
Addressing the economy, Atiku criticised the current administration’s economic policies, particularly rising debt levels and the hardship following fuel subsidy removal.
He promised to build an inclusive economy by addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis, attracting investments and creating jobs through industrial growth and economic reforms.
On healthcare, he pledged massive investments in primary healthcare and specialist medical centres to reduce medical tourism and improve access to quality healthcare for Nigerians.
Atiku said his administration would provide clear and accountable leadership guided by measurable targets and timelines as contained in the ADC manifesto.
He appealed to Nigerians to support the party’s mission to rebuild the country, promising what he described as “renewed action” to replace what he called the APC’s “meaningless renewed hope.”
The ADC presidential candidate also extended an olive branch to former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and other party leaders, urging them to join hands in building a stronger coalition ahead of the election.
He assured party members that if elected, he would run an inclusive government focused on national unity, development and restoring hope to Nigerians.
