Ahead of the 2027 elections, former vice president Atiku Abubakar has urged African Democratic Congress (ADC) delegates to select a capable and experienced presidential candidate who can address Nigeria’s growing economic and governance issues.
Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, made the plea in a statement on Sunday.
The former presidential candidate described the decision before ADC delegates as a crucial moment that would influence the nation’s future, saying it goes beyond simple politics.
He claims that tested leadership, as opposed to political experimentation, is necessary given Nigeria’s current circumstances.
“At a time when Nigeria is bleeding from every pore—crippled by economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, institutional failure, and deepening hopelessness—the question before the ADC is simple: who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?”
“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency.”
“Nigeria today needs a president who understands governance not as theory, but as lived responsibility.”
“It needs someone who has negotiated globally, created jobs through enterprise, managed national crises, built coalitions, and consistently articulated a practical roadmap for economic recovery and national renewal.”
“At this defining moment, ADC delegates must ask themselves a simple but profound question: do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a President?”
“Nigeria is not merely facing economic hardship; it is grappling with the devastating consequences of catastrophic economic choices, deepening insecurity, and institutional decay. This is not the season for sentiment or political experimentation.”
Atiku further argued that winning a presidential election requires more than popularity on social media.
“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation.”
“The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate—not merely its loudest.”
“The economic reforms that helped reposition Nigeria, the privatisation drive that opened sectors, the fiscal discipline that contributed to debt relief, and the governance reforms of that era were not accidents.”
“They were products of leadership, competence, and courage.”
“The ADC must think beyond sentiment. It must think about victory. It must think about governance. It must think about Nigeria,” he added.
“This is a defining election. The party needs a candidate with national acceptability, political resilience, tested structures, and the capacity to unify disparate interests into one winning coalition.”
He concluded by urging delegates to prioritise leadership qualities capable of addressing the country’s economic and security problems.
“History will remember this moment. The choice before ADC delegates is not merely about ambition. It is about destiny. Nigeria deserves rescue, not rhetoric,” Atiku said.
While the race for the most formidable candidate in ADC is still unfolding, many analysts believe that the strongest contender is emerging based on their support, experience, and vision for the future.
With increasing backing and a clear strategy, this candidate is positioning themselves as the one to watch in the upcoming election. As the party continues to rally around this potential leader, all eyes will be on whether they can secure the ultimate victory and lead ADC to a new era of success.
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