Atiku Accepts ADC Presidential Ticket, Accuses APC of Undermining Democracy Ahead of 2027

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting up what would be his fourth presidential run in Nigeria’s electoral history.

Speaking Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of weaponising state institutions and intimidating opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku Wins with Over 1.8 Million Votes

The ADC Presidential Primary Electoral Committee declared Atiku winner after a two-day collation process that wrapped up late Wednesday night. He polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who scored 177,120 votes.

Returning officer Tunde Ogbeha announced the results at the Transcorp Hilton collation centre. Atiku reportedly won in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have rejected the outcome. Amaechi alleged widespread voter disenfranchisement, saying about 80 per cent of party members were not allowed to vote. Hayatu-Deen also announced a boycott of the result announcement, citing concerns over vote rigging.

“Enough Is Enough” — Atiku Takes Aim at APC

In his acceptance speech, Atiku said the opposition coalition was built to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” from what he described as its worst threat since 1999.

“At this moment, virtually all opposition political parties in the country are battling leadership crises allegedly engineered by the APC government, INEC and elements within the judiciary,” he said.

He singled out the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling it politically motivated despite court orders granting him bail. El-Rufai, Atiku noted, had been held for three months and was denied the chance to celebrate Eid with his family or be with his late mother in her final moments.

“This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku declared.

He accused the government of using security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to harass opposition politicians, alleging that charges against critics magically disappear once they defect to the APC.

“Once a politician joins the APC, the harassment stops, and the charges against them disappear. This abuse of power must stop,” he said.

What an ADC Government Would Do

Atiku outlined key priorities if elected: security, education, healthcare, economic recovery, and restructuring power-sharing within the federation.

On security, he accused the Tinubu administration of failing to confront terrorism, banditry and killings across the country. He promised to strengthen the armed forces and police through massive recruitment, modern equipment, improved welfare 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 said.

On education, he pledged free and compulsory primary and secondary education, and criticised the government over more than 20 million out-of-school children.

He also took aim at the economy, saying borrowing had become the cornerstone of Tinubu’s policy, and accused the government of awarding contracts to cronies without due process.

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

ADC Chairman Appeals for Unity

ADC Chairman Senator David Mark appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to remain committed to the party, acknowledging that the primary process was not perfect but insisting the shortcomings were not enough to invalidate it.

“I do not claim that what we have done is perfect. I admit that there is room for improvement. However, I do not think that the observable shortcomings are sufficient to invalidate the exercise or to discredit the entire process,” Mark said.

He disclosed that ahead of the primaries, he held a private meeting with the three aspirants and urged them to put national interest above personal ambition.

Atiku, for his part, called on Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to close ranks. “There are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership,” he said.

Sources: Arise TV, Leadership, Daily Trust