“I Am Ready to Lead” — Atiku Accepts ADC Ticket, Declares Final Battle to Rescue Nigeria from APC

 By Kehinde Awosina 

Presidential hopeful and former Vice President, , has formally accepted the presidential ticket of the ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the coalition movement within the party was formed to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from what he described as the “destructive grip” of the ruling APC government.

Speaking after emerging victorious at the party’s presidential primaries, Atiku expressed gratitude to party members for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the ADC into the next election cycle.

“I wish to express my profound appreciation for the privilege which you have bestowed on me of leading our great party into the next elections as its Presidential Candidate,” he said. “I am truly humbled and excited by this singular honour.”

The former Vice President described the ADC as a platform where internal democracy still thrives, contrasting it with what he alleged was growing authoritarianism under the ruling government.

According to him, opposition parties across the country are currently battling leadership crises allegedly orchestrated by the government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary.

Atiku also condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, , alleging political persecution against opposition figures.

“All because he is a leading opposition figure. This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku declared.

He further accused the government of using security and anti-corruption agencies to intimidate opposition politicians into defecting to the APC, insisting that such abuse of power would be resisted.

The ADC candidate warned against any attempt to interfere with the affairs of the coalition party, saying members were prepared to defend the party’s democratic mandate.

Atiku praised fellow contestants, including former Rivers State Governor, , and businessman, , for participating peacefully in the primaries, stressing that no one emerged as a loser in the contest.

“This is not the time to celebrate. No one was defeated because we are one party,” he stated.

Outlining his agenda, Atiku pledged that an ADC-led government would prioritise security, education, economic recovery, healthcare, and equitable power-sharing among Nigeria’s constituent units.

On insecurity, the ADC flagbearer lamented the worsening security situation across the country, noting that even senior military officers had become targets of violent attacks.

He promised massive recruitment into the armed forces and police, improved welfare for security personnel, enhanced intelligence sharing, and the provision of modern equipment to combat insecurity.

Addressing education, Atiku pledged to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education, while also investing in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation-driven skills for Nigerian youths.

On the economy, he accused the APC administration of worsening poverty and failing to account for savings from fuel subsidy removal.

“The poverty gripping our people is at a level that we have never seen in our history,” he said.

He also criticised what he described as excessive borrowing under the administration of President , alleging that contracts were being awarded without due process.

In the healthcare sector, Atiku promised massive investments in primary healthcare and specialist medical centres to reduce medical tourism and improve access to quality healthcare within Nigeria.

The ADC presidential candidate assured Nigerians that his party would soon unveil detailed policy frameworks with clear timelines for implementation.

He called on aggrieved members and opposition stakeholders to unite ahead of the elections, insisting that the coalition must remain focused on defeating the APC and rebuilding the country.

“I am ready to lead,” Atiku declared. “I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and, if Nigerians give us the mandate, govern with you to build a country that works for all.”

He ended his speech with a call for unity and prayers for the nation, saying the ADC remains committed to restoring hope, accountability, and democratic governance in Nigeria.