Atiku Abubakar has thanked members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for choosing him as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the next general election.
In his acceptance speech, Atiku described the mandate as a great honour, saying he was humbled by the confidence placed in him to lead the party. He praised the ADC for allowing members to contest freely, adding that the party had shown that democracy can still thrive in Nigeria.
Atiku said the ADC was built through sacrifice, compromise and a shared determination to rescue Nigeria’s democracy. He accused the ruling APC of weakening opposition parties, intimidating political opponents and pushing the country toward a one-party state.
He also called on aggrieved members and fellow aspirants, including Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, to close ranks, stressing that there were no winners or losers in the primary. According to him, the focus must now shift from internal contest to national rescue.
Speaking on his plans, Atiku said an ADC government under his leadership would prioritise security, education, the economy, healthcare and fair power-sharing. He promised decisive action on insecurity, free and compulsory basic education, improved healthcare investment, job creation and stronger accountability in government.
He criticised the current administration over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, borrowing, poor healthcare funding and the impact of fuel subsidy removal, saying Nigerians need “renewed action” instead of what he described as “meaningless renewed hope.”
Atiku urged ADC members to unite, campaign hard and prepare for the difficult task ahead, saying the party must now build itself into a strong political institution capable of delivering leadership that works for all Nigerians.
Daily Times
