Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democracy, weaponising state institutions and driving Nigeria into economic and security crises.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja while accepting his nomination as ADC presidential candidate, Atiku said the opposition coalition was formed to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” from what he described as its greatest threat since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

The former vice president said the ADC primaries demonstrated that democracy remained alive within the party despite what he called increasing political repression by the APC-led federal government.

“In our party, members are allowed to express their views, to have ambitions and to contest for elective positions in a free, fair and transparent process,” he said.

Atiku accused the APC government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and elements within the judiciary of allegedly engineering leadership crises within opposition political parties and intimidating opposition figures.

He specifically referenced the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as politically motivated despite court orders granting him bail.

“This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku declared, alleging that opposition politicians were being coerced into joining the APC through harassment by security agencies and anti-corruption institutions.

The ADC presidential candidate also warned against any attempt to interfere in the affairs of the opposition coalition, insisting that such actions would be resisted.

“Enough is enough,” he said.

Atiku used the occasion to outline key priorities of an ADC government under his leadership, including security, education, economic recovery, healthcare and restructuring power-sharing arrangements within the federation.

On insecurity, he accused the Tinubu administration of failing to decisively confront terrorism, banditry and killings across the country, noting that even senior military officers had become targets of attacks.

He pledged that an ADC government would strengthen the armed forces and security agencies through recruitment, improved welfare, modern equipment and better intelligence coordination.

“We shall strengthen the armed forces, the police and other security agencies with massive new recruitment, provision of modern and adequate equipment, training, improved welfare and effective leadership,” he stated.

On education, Atiku promised to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education, while investing in entrepreneurship, technology and innovation skills for Nigerian youths.

He said the APC government had failed to address the challenge of over 20 million out-of-school children.

Addressing the economy, Atiku criticised the federal government over rising poverty, inflation and debt accumulation, alleging that subsidy removal savings had not been properly accounted for.

“Borrowing has become the cornerstone of the economic policy of the APC government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

He also accused the government of awarding contracts to cronies without due process.

Atiku pledged that an ADC administration would prioritise electricity supply, remove investment bottlenecks and create incentives to stimulate job creation and economic growth.

On healthcare, he criticised what he described as inadequate funding for the health sector and promised massive investments in primary healthcare and specialist medical facilities.

The former vice president called on aggrieved party members and other contestants in the ADC primaries to close ranks ahead of the 2027 election.

He specifically appealed to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join forces with the party.

“There are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership,” Atiku said.

He added that the ADC coalition was built on “hard work, immense sacrifices and compromises” and urged members to focus on building a united opposition capable of defeating the APC in 2027. (Arise News)

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