Atiku Accepts ADC Presidential Ticket, Accuses Tinubu Government of Crushing Democracy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, launching a blistering attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and accusing it of undermining democracy, intimidating opposition figures, and driving the country toward a one-party state.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja after emerging as the ADC flagbearer, Atiku said the coalition behind the party was formed to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” from what he described as its gravest threat since 1999.

The former presidential candidate said the ADC primary demonstrated that democracy was still alive within the opposition despite alleged attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government to suppress dissent.

“We demonstrated that while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party and its oppressive and anti-democratic government, democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress,” he declared.

Atiku accused the APC-led government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary of engineering crises within opposition parties and using state institutions to harass critics and political opponents.

He specifically referenced former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that the opposition figure had remained in detention for months despite court orders granting him bail.

“All because he is a leading opposition figure. This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku said.

The ADC candidate also alleged that anti-corruption agencies were being used to pressure opposition politicians into defecting to the APC, claiming that investigations and charges mysteriously disappeared once such politicians joined the ruling party.

He warned against any attempt to interfere in the affairs of the ADC, including alleged moves to deregister the party.

“Enough is enough,” he declared.

Atiku, however, urged members of the coalition to remain united after the primary contest, insisting that there were “no winners and no losers.”

He appealed to fellow aspirants, including former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, to join forces with him ahead of the elections.

On insecurity, Atiku described the security situation across the country as the worst in Nigeria’s history, accusing the federal government of failing to protect lives and property.

He promised that an ADC administration would strengthen the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies through recruitment, better welfare, improved coordination, and modern equipment.

“An ADC government under my leadership will take decisive action to address insecurity and protect lives and property,” he said.

The former vice president also unveiled broad policy directions for education, healthcare, power, and the economy.

He criticised the APC government over rising poverty, inflation, unemployment, and public debt, alleging that fuel subsidy savings had not been accounted for while contracts were being awarded to cronies without due process.

According to him, the country’s economic crisis could only be resolved through investment-friendly reforms, stable electricity supply, and policies targeted at job creation and industrial growth.

On education, Atiku pledged to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education while investing heavily in youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

He also promised to prioritise healthcare through massive investment in primary healthcare centres and specialist medical facilities to reduce medical tourism abroad.

“Where the APC government offers meaningless renewed hope, we will provide renewed action to repair the damage they have done to our economy and society,” he said.

Atiku concluded by calling on Nigerians to support the ADC coalition in what he described as a mission to rescue the country from “misrule” and rebuild democratic institutions.