ADC must choose competent, experienced presidential candidate for 2027 — Atiku

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to choose a presidential candidate for the 2027 elections who possesses competence and experience.

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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?

Abubakar stated that the party's choice is a historic responsibility, emphasizing that Nigeria is currently facing severe economic challenges, insecurity, and institutional decline. He stressed the need for a leader prepared to govern immediately, warning against political experimentation.

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This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency.

"Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency," Abubakar declared in a statement. He argued that the nation requires tested leadership with executive experience, a deep understanding of economics, and broad national appeal. The former vice president highlighted the importance of a leader who has negotiated globally, created jobs, managed crises, and articulated a clear roadmap for recovery.

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Nigeria today needs a president who understands governance not as theory, but as lived responsibility.

Addressing ADC delegates, Abubakar urged them to prioritize competence over sentiment, posing the question: "do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a President?" He contrasted his own extensive experience, including his tenure as vice president from 1999 to 2007, with the reliance on rhetoric and social media enthusiasm by others. He asserted that governance is not performance art and the presidency is not a platform for improvisation, advocating for the ADC to present its strongest, most credible, and prepared candidate.

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It needs someone who has negotiated globally, created jobs through enterprise, managed national crises, built coalitions, and consistently articulated a practical roadmap for economic recovery and national renewal.