Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting the stage for another major political contest ahead of the 2027 general election against President Bola Tinubu and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Speaking after clinching the party’s ticket, Atiku criticised the current administration over worsening economic hardship, accusing those in power of living comfortably while ordinary Nigerians struggle to survive.
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According to him, millions of citizens can barely afford food, transportation, healthcare and education for their children, despite promises of economic recovery and improved living standards.
“We are determined to build an economy that serves every Nigerian. But meaningful economic growth cannot happen unless we confront the crippling energy crisis that continues to damage our economy,” he said.
Atiku stressed that reliable electricity remains fundamental to industrial development, agricultural productivity and the growth of both large and small businesses across the country.
He pledged that an ADC-led government would remove obstacles discouraging investments in key sectors of the economy in order to attract both local and foreign investors capable of creating jobs and stimulating sustainable economic expansion.
“We will also introduce incentives where necessary to encourage investments and employment opportunities. Nigerians were told that the removal of fuel subsidy would improve the welfare of the people, but the reality has been severe hardship,” he stated.
The former vice president argued that the savings realised from subsidy removal have not been transparently managed, while economic conditions have worsened for many Nigerians.
He further accused the Tinubu administration of relying excessively on borrowing, claiming that debt accumulation has become central to the government’s economic strategy.
“At the moment, external borrowing alone has climbed to about 30 billion dollars within three years. Sadly, huge portions of these loans are allegedly being channelled into contracts awarded to associates and allies of those in power without competitive processes or proper accountability,” Atiku alleged.
He warned that the country’s future was being endangered by what he described as reckless borrowing and lack of transparency, promising that such practices would end under an ADC administration.
On healthcare, Atiku criticised the Federal Government over what he described as inadequate funding of the health sector.
“In spite of the serious healthcare problems facing the country, we recently discovered that the Federal Ministry of Health reportedly received only 30 million naira for capital expenditure in the last fiscal year. That clearly reflects a government that does not prioritise the wellbeing of its citizens,” he said.
He promised that healthcare would receive greater attention under his administration, with particular focus on preventive care and massive investment in primary healthcare services.
Atiku also pledged to upgrade specialist hospitals and centres of excellence to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for medical treatment.
“We will properly equip and adequately staff our medical institutions to ensure Nigerians can access quality healthcare within the country. We also intend to establish additional specialised centres where necessary and encourage private sector participation in building world-class medical facilities nationwide,” he added.
The ADC candidate assured Nigerians that his party would soon unveil detailed policy plans and timelines covering its priorities and programmes.
Comparing his vision with that of the ruling APC, Atiku said the ADC would offer “renewed action” rather than what he described as “empty renewed hope.”
He called on party members and supporters to unite ahead of the 2027 elections, urging aggrieved members and defeated aspirants to put differences aside for the sake of the country.
“We have endured enormous sacrifices to build this coalition. Now is the time to strengthen this party and prepare for the task of rescuing Nigeria from years of poor governance,” he said.
Atiku specifically appealed to former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join forces with him in what he described as the mission to protect democracy and rebuild the nation.
“There are no victors or losers in this process. Nigerians are looking to us for direction and leadership. I am prepared to lead, to campaign with all of you and, if entrusted with the mandate, to govern in a way that delivers prosperity and opportunity for every citizen,” he declared.
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