Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged delegates of the African Democratic Congress to prioritize competence, experience, and national acceptance when choosing the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku warned against relying on social media popularity and emotional sentiments when selecting a candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu.
According to Atiku, Nigeria is currently battling severe economic hardship, rising insecurity, mounting debt, and institutional collapse, making it dangerous for the opposition to present what he described as an untested candidate.
The former vice president stressed that elections are not won solely through online excitement or digital popularity, adding that governance requires competence, preparation, and tested leadership experience.
He explained that the ADC must focus on presenting a candidate with the ability to govern effectively from the first day in office rather than someone driven by media hype or political trends.
Atiku also pointed to his experience during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, highlighting economic reforms, privatization policies, fiscal discipline, and governance restructuring carried out during that period.
He argued that the reforms achieved under the Obasanjo Atiku administration were products of courage, leadership, and sound economic management.
Speaking further, Atiku challenged ADC delegates to decide whether they want to make a political statement or truly produce a president capable of defeating the ruling party in 2027.
He maintained that defeating an incumbent government would require a candidate with national reach, political resilience, coalition building capacity, and strong structures across the country.
Atiku concluded by urging delegates to rise above personal interests and focus on Nigeria’s future, insisting that history would remember the decisions made ahead of the crucial election.
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