Atiku Tells ADC: Nigeria Needs a President Who Can Govern, Not Just Trend Online

Atiku Speaks Ahead of ADC Primaries

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has told delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that Nigeria cannot afford a “learning-on-the-job presidency” in 2027, as the party prepares to pick its presidential flagbearer.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku laid out what he believes should be the ADC’s criteria for selecting a candidate: competence, executive experience, economic understanding, and national appeal.

“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?” he said.

‘Governance Is Not Performance Art’

Atiku took a swipe at politically active figures who rely heavily on social media presence rather than governance track record, telling ADC delegates to look past the noise.

“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation,” he said. “The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate — not merely its loudest.”

He argued that defeating an incumbent government in 2027 will require “strategic planning, political resilience and broad national support” — not just online buzz or crowd size at rallies.

The Pitch

The former vice president pointed to economic reforms carried out during his time in government, including the privatisation programme, fiscal discipline that contributed to debt relief, and governance reforms — framing them as evidence of what experienced leadership can deliver.

“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,” he said.

Atiku also urged delegates to put electoral viability above sentiment. “Do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a President?” he asked. “This is not a season for political experimentation.”

Whether the ADC can pull together a ticket strong enough to unseat the APC in 2027 remains an open question. Atiku is making his case early.

Sources: Punch, Naija News