Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to focus on competence and national reach when selecting a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, warning against choosing based on social media popularity or emotional appeal. In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku emphasized that Nigeria’s current challenges demand a leader who is fully prepared to govern from day one. He dismissed the idea that digital enthusiasm or viral campaigns can substitute for real leadership experience and governance capacity.
Atiku stressed that the ADC must field its strongest and most credible candidate to stand a chance against President Bola Tinubu. He pointed to Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, rising debt levels, insecurity, and weakening institutions as reasons why the party cannot afford to experiment with untested candidates. “This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” he declared.
He argued that presidential elections are won through strong structures, strategic planning, and proven governance skills—not through social media buzz or online popularity. “Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation,” Atiku said. He urged the ADC to present a candidate who is not merely loud or charismatic, but one who is thoroughly prepared and capable of leading the nation through its current crisis.
Atiku described the decision facing ADC delegates as a historic responsibility, given the depth of Nigeria’s challenges. He highlighted that the country is “bleeding from every pore,” crippled by economic distress, insecurity, rising debt, institutional failure, and widespread hopelessness. In such a context, he asked, “Who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?”
He called for a leader with proven experience in global negotiations, job creation through enterprise, crisis management, coalition building, and a clear, practical roadmap for economic recovery and national renewal. Atiku’s message underscores the urgency for the ADC to prioritize substance over style, experience over social media fame, and national interest over party sentiment.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, Atiku’s remarks serve as a stark reminder that the next president must be ready to lead immediately, not just campaign effectively. The choice made by the ADC will shape the party’s credibility and influence its ability to offer a real alternative to the current administration.
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