Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the coalition movement was formed to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from what he described as the “destructive grip” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking after emerging as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections, Atiku said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by party members, while insisting that democracy was “alive and well” within the ADC despite what he called growing political oppression in the country.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation for the privilege which you have bestowed on me of leading our great party into the next elections as its Presidential Candidate,” he said.
Atiku stated that the ADC coalition was built through “hard work, sacrifices and compromises” by opposition forces determined to stop what he described as the steady erosion of democratic values under the APC-led administration.
The former presidential candidate accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and elements within the judiciary were being deployed against political opponents.
According to him, almost all opposition parties in Nigeria are currently battling leadership crises allegedly engineered by the APC government.
He also condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, despite reported court orders granting him bail.
“All because he is a leading opposition figure. This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku declared.
The ADC flagbearer further alleged that anti-corruption agencies were selectively targeting opposition politicians while discontinuing investigations once affected individuals defected to the APC.
“This abuse of power must stop,” he said.
Atiku warned against any attempt to interfere with the affairs of the ADC coalition, saying such actions would be “fiercely resisted.”
Addressing fellow aspirants who contested the party’s ticket alongside him, Atiku said the primaries produced “no losers,” urging all members to unite ahead of the elections.
“This is not the time to celebrate,” he noted. “We have to unite to pull our country and our people out of the destructive grip of a corrupt, incompetent and polarising APC government.”
On insecurity, Atiku described the current situation across Nigeria as the worst in the country’s history, accusing the government of failing to decisively confront terrorism and violent attacks.
He promised that an ADC government under his leadership would strengthen the armed forces and security agencies through massive recruitment, modern equipment, improved welfare and better intelligence coordination.
The former Vice President also unveiled plans to prioritise education, healthcare, economic reforms and power-sharing if elected president.
He lamented that over 20 million Nigerian children remain out of school under the current administration, promising free and compulsory primary and secondary education.
On the economy, Atiku accused the APC government of worsening poverty while enriching only a small group of politically connected individuals.
“The poverty gripping our people is at a level that we have never seen in our history,” he stated.
He criticised the Federal Government’s borrowing culture, claiming that billions of dollars in loans were being distributed through contracts awarded to cronies without due process.
In the health sector, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as poor budgetary allocation to healthcare, promising massive investments in primary healthcare and specialist medical facilities across Nigeria.
The ADC candidate concluded by calling on aggrieved party members and opposition figures to close ranks ahead of the elections, saying the coalition had a “sacred responsibility” to rescue Nigeria from misrule.
“I am ready to lead,” he said. “I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and, if Nigerians give us the mandate, govern with you to build a country that works for all.”
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