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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritise competence, experience and national reach when selecting the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku warned against relying on sentiments and social media popularity in choosing a candidate for the presidency.
The former vice president said Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges require a leader with proven governance experience and the capacity to lead effectively from the first day in office.
“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” Atiku stated.
He argued that elections are not won solely through online support, stressing that governance requires structure, strategy and practical leadership capacity.
“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation,” he said.
According to Atiku, the ADC must present its strongest and most prepared candidate if it hopes to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He described the decision before ADC delegates as a historic responsibility, considering Nigeria’s economic hardship, rising debt profile, insecurity and institutional challenges.
“At a time when Nigeria is bleeding from every pore, crippled by economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, institutional failure, and deepening hopelessness, the question before the ADC is simple: who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?” he asked.
Atiku further stated that the country needs a leader who has experience in global negotiations, job creation, coalition building and crisis management, while also possessing a practical roadmap for economic recovery and national renewal.
