RismadarVoice Reporters, May 28, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after emerging as the winner of the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who polled 504,117 votes in the contest conducted across the country.
In his acceptance speech on Wednesday, Atiku described the ADC as a platform where democracy remains alive, contrasting it with what he called the “oppressive and anti-democratic” actions of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former presidential candidate said the coalition behind the ADC was built through sacrifices and compromises aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from what he termed its greatest threat since 1999.
According to him, opposition parties across the country are facing leadership crises allegedly engineered by the APC-led government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary.
Atiku also alleged that opposition figures were being harassed and intimidated by the government, citing the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, despite court orders granting him bail.
“All because he is a leading opposition figure. This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku said.
The former vice president accused the government of using security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to pressure opposition politicians into joining the APC, claiming that investigations and charges disappear once politicians defect to the ruling party.
“This abuse of power must stop,” he declared.
Atiku further warned against alleged attempts by the Presidency, INEC and the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the ADC or undermine the coalition, insisting that such actions would be resisted.
Despite emerging victorious, Atiku urged party members and fellow aspirants to remain united, stressing that the moment called for collective action rather than celebration.
“No one was defeated because we are one party and we all need to recognise the fierce urgency of the moment,” he said.
He said the party must now focus on confronting economic hardship, insecurity, political intolerance and what he described as a growing push toward a one-party state under the APC government.
Atiku also commended the party’s primary election committee, leadership, stakeholders and supporters for conducting what he described as a peaceful, free and transparent process.
He added that the “real hard work” would now begin as the party prepares for the 2027 general election campaign.
