2027: Tinubu made life expensive; Atiku will make life affordable — ADC
ADC Launches 2027 Presidential Campaign in Abuja
By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) officially launched its 2027 presidential campaign on Friday, vowing to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The party called for the ousting of President Bola Tinubu, endorsing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the upcoming election.
During the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, party leaders highlighted escalating living costs, insecurity, unemployment, and rising public debt as key factors contributing to the difficulties experienced by citizens. They asserted that the Atiku Abubakar–Rotimi Amaechi ticket represents a viable alternative for voters.
ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, along with Campaign Council Chairman Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and Director-General Senator Austin Akobundu, urged party members to engage the public with a message centered on affordable living and improved governance.
Akobundu emphasized that the campaign will focus on the struggles of families, workers, farmers, and business owners, suggesting that current government policies have made essential goods increasingly unaffordable.
“Tinubu made life expensive. I will make life affordable again,” Akobundu quoted Atiku as stating.
The campaign is expected to prioritize local refining of fuel through a proposed production subsidy, alongside reforms in sectors such as electricity, education, healthcare, and agriculture. These initiatives are aimed at lowering production costs, enhancing access to vital services, and fostering opportunities for youth and women.
Akobundu also pledged to review the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, pursue student debt forgiveness, improve security for farmers, and implement the Supreme Court judgment regarding local government autonomy.
Regarding the political atmosphere, Akobundu accused the Tinubu administration of intimidating ADC members using state apparatus, asserting that the party would stand firm against such tactics while adhering to legal frameworks.
“The ADC will resist every form of intimidation and harassment,” he declared.
Ibrahim-Imam delivered pointed criticism, framing the campaign as essential to rescuing Nigerians from economic distress and insecurity. He condemned what he characterized as excessive spending by the Tinubu administration, contrasting it with the struggles faced by millions.
He noted that Nigeria’s public debt has surged from 87.38 trillion naira when Tinubu took office to 166.79 trillion naira by June 30, 2026, suggesting that the government has failed in its duty to protect citizens.
Ibrahim-Imam urged Nigerians to reject Tinubu’s bid for re-election, framing the 2027 contest as a choice between ongoing hardship and potential change.
“Tinubu priced you out of your own country. Atiku will bring you back in,” he stated.
Mark charged the campaign council to communicate its message to every state and local government area, urging members not to underestimate voters.
“Our task is bigger than winning an election. We must present Nigerians with a credible alternative and foster trust in governance as a means to improve their lives,” he said.
He stressed the importance of an issue-based campaign that engages citizens across diverse backgrounds while promoting peace and calling for transparency from the Independent National Electoral Commission and other electoral bodies.
With the campaign council now in place, the ADC aims to translate public frustration over economic and security issues into electoral support for the Atiku-Amaechi ticket in 2027.
