RismadarVoice Reporters, May 28, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the next general elections, pledging to lead a coalition aimed at “rescuing Nigeria’s democracy” from what he described as authoritarian tendencies under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
In his acceptance speech after securing the party’s ticket, Atiku expressed appreciation to party delegates and leaders for the confidence reposed in him, describing the ADC as a platform where democratic values remain alive despite what he called increasing political intimidation in the country.
“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 stated.
The former presidential candidate accused the APC government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and elements within the judiciary of allegedly engineering crises within opposition parties and intimidating opposition figures.
Atiku specifically referenced the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that the former minister had remained in custody for months despite court orders granting him bail.
“All because he is a leading opposition figure. This kind of cruelty must stop,” he said.
He further alleged that security agencies and anti-corruption institutions were being used to pressure opposition politicians into joining the ruling party.
According to him, the ADC coalition was formed through “hard work, sacrifices and compromises” to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.
Atiku also warned against alleged attempts to interfere in the affairs of the ADC, including moves to deregister the party.
Outlining his agenda, the ADC presidential candidate said his administration would prioritise security, education, the economy, healthcare and equitable power-sharing if elected.
On security, he promised massive recruitment into security agencies, improved welfare, modern equipment and better coordination among security institutions to address worsening insecurity across the country.
He also pledged to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education while investing in entrepreneurship, innovation and technological skills development for young Nigerians.
Atiku criticised the APC government’s economic policies, particularly the management of fuel subsidy removal and increased borrowing, alleging that the country’s debt profile had risen sharply without corresponding improvement in citizens’ welfare.
“The poverty gripping our people is at a level that we have never seen in our history,” he stated.
He promised that an ADC government would focus on job creation, improved electricity supply and investment-friendly policies to stimulate economic growth.
On healthcare, Atiku pledged increased investment in primary healthcare and specialist medical centres to reduce dependence on foreign medical treatment.
The ADC candidate called on party members and other aspirants, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, to unite ahead of the election campaign.
“We have to prepare to campaign hard to win the next general elections to begin the difficult process of rescuing our country and its long-suffering people from this government,” he said.
