Atiku Abubakar Secures ADC 2027 Presidential Ticket, Vows to Challenge APC Rule

Atiku Abubakar Secures ADC 2027 Presidential Ticket, Vows to Challenge APC Rule

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, positioning himself at the forefront of a growing opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Delivering his acceptance speech on Wednesday at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Atiku described his nomination as both a “humbling” and “historic” responsibility, pledging to lead what he called a democratic movement aimed at “rescuing Nigeria” from economic decline, insecurity, and political intolerance.

The former vice president praised the ADC primary process as transparent and democratic, contrasting it with what he alleged to be increasing suppression of opposition politics under the APC led federal government. According to him, the ADC coalition was built through “hard work, sacrifices and compromises” by political stakeholders determined to protect Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku accused the federal government of using state institutions, including security agencies and anti corruption bodies, to intimidate opposition politicians. He further alleged that several opposition parties were currently facing internal crises allegedly influenced by external political forces.

In one of the strongest moments of his speech, Atiku referenced the reported detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, claiming the opposition figure had been denied basic freedoms despite court orders granting bail. He described the situation as an example of what he called “political intimidation” targeted at critics of the ruling party.

The APC government and relevant authorities have not officially responded to several of the allegations raised during the speech as of press time.

Atiku also warned against what he described as attempts to weaken or deregister opposition coalitions, insisting that any interference in the affairs of the ADC by political institutions or external actors would face strong resistance from party supporters.

While congratulating fellow aspirants who contested the ADC presidential primary, the former vice president urged party members to remain united ahead of the national election campaign. He said the opposition coalition must focus on reversing worsening economic conditions, insecurity, unemployment, and governance challenges affecting millions of Nigerians.

According to Atiku, an ADC led administration would priorities security reforms, education, healthcare, economic recovery, power sector development, and accountable leadership. He also promised stronger collaboration with state governments to improve welfare standards and governance outcomes across the country.

Political analysts view Atiku’s emergence as a major development in Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape, especially as coalition politics continue to shape early conversations around the 2027 presidential election. The veteran politician, who previously contested multiple presidential elections under different political platforms, is expected to rely on his national political network and coalition building strategy as campaigns gradually intensify.

The ADC presidential primary marks one of the earliest major opposition moves ahead of the 2027 polls, with attention now shifting toward alliances, party restructuring, and electoral positioning across Nigeria’s political spectrum.