Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally accepted the presidential nomination of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the opposition coalition represents the last hope for rescuing Nigeria’s struggling democracy from what he described as the “oppressive and anti-democratic” policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja while accepting the party’s ticket for the 2027 general elections, Atiku expressed gratitude for the honour and described the nomination as both humbling and exciting.

“We demonstrated that while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party… democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

The former Vice President painted a grim picture of the current political climate, accusing the APC government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements in the judiciary of orchestrating leadership crises in virtually all opposition parties. He singled out the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who he said has been held for three months despite court orders granting him bail.

Atiku condemned what he called the weaponisation of security agencies and anti-corruption bodies against opposition figures, stating that harassment often ceases once politicians defect to the APC.

“Enough is enough,” he warned. “Any further attempt to interfere in the affairs of the party by the Presidency, INEC and judiciary will be fiercely resisted.”

Call for Unity and Reconciliation

In a strong appeal for party cohesion, Atiku urged all contestants who vied for the ticket and those who feel aggrieved to close ranks. He specifically invited former Rivers State Governor Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join him in what he termed “the fight to save our democracy and our country.”

He emphasised that there were “no winners and no losers” in the primaries, stressing the need for unity ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.

Key Policy Priorities Outlined

Atiku outlined his administration’s planned focus areas if elected:

Security: He lamented the unprecedented level of insecurity across the country, including attacks on security personnel, and promised massive recruitment, modern equipment, improved welfare, and better coordination among security agencies.

Education: The ADC candidate criticised the fact that over 20 million children are out of school and pledged free and compulsory basic education, alongside massive investment in infrastructure, teacher welfare, and skills development.

Economy: Atiku slammed the APC’s economic management, describing rising poverty amid claims of growth. He vowed to tackle the crippling energy crisis, remove investment bottlenecks, and promote job-creating policies. He also criticised the lack of accountability in the fuel subsidy removal savings and the surge in external borrowing.

Healthcare: He expressed shock at the meagre capital allocation to the Federal Ministry of Health and promised massive investment in primary healthcare and specialist centres to reduce medical tourism.

The former Vice President said his government would be guided by clear national plans with measurable targets and timelines, in line with the party’s manifesto, promising “a new era of accountable leadership.”

Renewed Action Over Renewed Hope

Atiku drew a sharp contrast between the APC’s “meaningless renewed hope” and what he called the ADC’s commitment to “renewed action” to repair the damage of 12 years of APC rule.

He urged party members and supporters to shift from celebration to serious preparation for the election campaign, describing the task ahead as rescuing Nigeria from “a corrupt, incompetent and polarising APC government.”

The event marks a significant step in the consolidation of the ADC as a major opposition platform, following what Atiku described as careful coalition-building involving immense sacrifices and compromises.