Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritize competence over noise when selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
In a statement released Sunday by his media spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku cautioned that Nigeria’s current challenges require a leader with proven experience, not one whose popularity is built mostly on online buzz or public spectacle.
He pointed out that the country is battling rising insecurity, a struggling economy, and growing public discontent — problems that cannot be solved by someone learning the ropes on the job.
According to the former vice president, the ADC must resist the temptation to field a candidate driven by hype. He stressed that winning elections and running a nation are two different things entirely.
“Social media likes do not translate into governance capacity. The presidency is not a stage for trial and error,” the statement read in part.
Atiku also reminded party delegates that defeating a sitting government will demand strategic thinking, strong political networks, and a track record of handling complex national issues — qualities he said cannot be replaced by emotional appeal or loud endorsements.
He cited his own experience during the Obasanjo administration, where he helped drive economic reforms, as evidence of what seasoned leadership can bring to the table.
The former presidential hopeful further warned that Nigeria is in no position to experiment with inexperienced leaders in 2027, adding that “the time for on-the-job training is over.”
Atiku did not explicitly declare his interest in the ADC ticket, but political observers see his comments as a quiet pitch for delegates to consider him as the party’s most qualified option.
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