Atiku to ADC: Nigeria needs a president who can govern, not just trend online

Atiku Abubakar Urges ADC to Prioritize Competence in Presidential Candidate Selection

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Sunday called on delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritize competency and national appeal when selecting a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general election.

Speaking at a gathering, Atiku emphasized the need for the party to focus on solid leadership rather than social media popularity. He asserted that simply generating online enthusiasm is not a sufficient gauge for the presidency.

Atiku’s remarks, delivered via his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, highlighted the pervasive economic challenges, rising debt, and insecurity facing Nigeria. He warned that the ADC cannot afford to select an unproven candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” Atiku stated.

While refraining from naming specific competitors, Atiku criticized the current trend of enthusiasm surrounding certain candidates. He maintained that successful elections depend on structured strategies and governance abilities, rather than digital noise.

“Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation,” he said, calling for the ADC to present the most credible and prepared candidate, rather than the one who is simply the loudest.

Atiku portrayed the decision facing ADC delegates as a historic responsibility, one that extends beyond typical political maneuvering. He framed the ongoing national crisis as a critical backdrop to their decision-making process.

“In this moment of economic hardship, insecurity, and institutional decline, the essential question is: who possesses the capability not just to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?” he asked.

He further argued for a candidate who has demonstrated global negotiation skills, job creation through enterprise, and effective crisis management, emphasizing the need for a practical roadmap for economic recovery.

Atiku cited his past achievements in economic reforms during the Obasanjo administration as a testament to his qualifications. He referenced the privatization efforts, fiscal discipline, and governance reforms that, he argued, transformed Nigeria.

“The reforms that repositioned Nigeria were not merely coincidental; they stemmed from leadership, competence, and courage,” he remarked.

In posing a significant question to the delegates, Atiku differentiated between symbolism and practical electoral viability.

“ADC delegates must ask themselves: do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a president?” he said.

He advised that defeating an established incumbent in 2027 would require more than emotional momentum, stressing the need for strategic planning regarding a candidate who can unify various regions and demographics.

“The ADC must think beyond sentiment. It must think about victory, governance, and Nigeria’s future,” Atiku asserted. “This is a defining election. The party needs a candidate with national acceptability, political resilience, and the capacity to forge a winning coalition.”

Atiku concluded by urging delegates to focus on the broader national interests, asserting that their choice could resonate historically.

“History will remember this moment. The choice before ADC delegates is not merely about ambition; it is about destiny. Nigeria deserves a rescue, not rhetoric,” he declared.

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