Amanze Chinonye
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of next year’s general elections, declaring that the opposition coalition was formed to “rescue” Nigeria’s democracy from what he described as growing authoritarianism under the ruling All Progressives Congress government, Prime Business Africa reports.
In an acceptance speech following the party’s presidential primaries, Atiku said he was “humbled and excited” by the opportunity to lead the ADC into the elections, while insisting that the party had demonstrated internal democracy at a time when democratic institutions in the country were under pressure.
He alleged that the APC-led government was orchestrating leadership crises within opposition parties through the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission and elements of the judiciary, claiming that opposition figures were being harassed, intimidated and coerced into joining the ruling party.
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Atiku specifically referenced former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he had remained in detention for three months despite court orders granting him bail. He described the situation as political persecution targeted at opposition leaders and called for an end to what he termed the abuse of state institutions.
The ADC presidential candidate also accused the government of attempting to undermine the opposition coalition and warned against any move to interfere in the affairs of the party.
“Any further attempt to interfere in the affairs of the party by the Presidency, INEC and judiciary will be fiercely resisted,” he declared.
Atiku, however, urged members of the coalition to remain united after the primaries, stressing that there were “no winners and no losers” within the party. He appealed to aggrieved members and defeated aspirants to close ranks ahead of the campaign season.
He specifically invited former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join hands with the party leadership in what he described as a collective struggle to save Nigeria’s democracy.
The former vice president used the speech to unveil broad policy directions of an ADC administration, identifying security, education, the economy, healthcare and power-sharing as priority areas.
On security, Atiku said the country was experiencing the worst wave of insecurity in its history, lamenting the killing of civilians and members of the armed forces. He pledged that an ADC government would strengthen the military, police and intelligence agencies through recruitment, improved welfare, training and the acquisition of modern equipment.
In the education sector, he promised free and compulsory primary and secondary education, alongside investments in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-driven skills for young Nigerians. He also pledged a comprehensive overhaul of the educational system, including improvements in infrastructure and teachers’ welfare.
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Addressing the economy, Atiku accused the APC government of worsening poverty and mismanaging public resources. He criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, claiming that the savings had not been properly accounted for, while also faulting the government’s borrowing profile.
According to him, Nigeria’s external borrowing had risen significantly over the last three years, with contracts allegedly awarded to political allies without due process or competitive bidding.
He promised that an ADC administration would focus on attracting local and foreign investments, removing bottlenecks hindering economic growth and tackling the country’s persistent electricity crisis to drive industrialisation and job creation.
On healthcare, Atiku criticised budgetary allocations to the health sector, describing them as inadequate. He pledged massive investment in primary healthcare and promised to strengthen medical centres of excellence to reduce medical tourism abroad.
The ADC candidate said the party would unveil more detailed policy plans with timelines in the coming months as preparations intensify for the general elections.
He urged party supporters to remain committed to building what he described as a strong political institution capable of restoring good governance and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
