The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has endorsed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as a leader capable of uniting Nigerians across ethnic, religious and regional divides, expressing confidence in his prospects ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
The council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the remarks in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Grassroots Mobilisation Network (GMN), led by its National Coordinator, Engr. Sadiq Abubakar Adamu Lwafu, who visited his office over the weekend.
Lwafu said the organisation had begun plans for a nationwide mobilisation campaign to build support for Atiku’s presidential ambition and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls in 2027.
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He criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing economic difficulties, rising insecurity and concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
According to Lwafu, many Nigerians are struggling with the cost of living while insecurity continues to affect communities across the country. He also accused the government of allowing political interests to take precedence over the welfare of ordinary citizens.
He warned that Nigeria risked following the path of other African countries where democratic institutions had weakened and political power had become increasingly concentrated.
Lwafu maintained that Atiku offered the country an alternative, adding that the GMN was committed to working towards an electoral change of government.
He also described the ADC as a political platform capable of bringing together experienced politicians and individuals committed to national development.
Among the party figures he cited were its National Chairman, David Mark; Atiku Abubakar; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; Rauf Aregbesola; Aminu Tambuwal; Emeka Ihedioha; Dele Momodu; Dino Melaye and other political leaders.
Lwafu contrasted the personalities within the ADC with members of the APC, making allegations about the ruling party’s leadership and accusing it of failing to meet Nigerians’ expectations.
Responding to the delegation, Ologbondiyan praised the GMN for its grassroots mobilisation efforts and commitment to national development.
He argued that Atiku and Tinubu differed significantly in their approaches to leadership, particularly regarding national unity and political inclusion.
According to the ADC-PCC spokesman, Tinubu’s appointments, policies and governing style had raised concerns about favouritism and exclusion, while Atiku’s relationships across Nigeria’s diverse communities demonstrated his capacity to build a broader national coalition.
Ologbondiyan said Atiku’s family background, business interests and political associations reflected the country’s ethnic and religious diversity.
He maintained that these connections strengthened the former vice-president’s claim to being a pan-Nigerian leader capable of appealing to citizens from different parts of the country.
The ADC-PCC director also accused the APC of exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political advantage rather than prioritising national cohesion and citizens’ welfare.
He expressed confidence that voters would reject what he described as divisive political tactics during the next general election.
Ologbondiyan further argued that the Tinubu administration had yet to provide sufficient improvements in living standards to justify its approach to governance.
He said Atiku’s experience and economic proposals made him a suitable candidate to address Nigeria’s current challenges.
On fuel subsidy, Ologbondiyan said an Atiku-led government would reintroduce the policy under what he described as a transparent and properly managed framework.
According to him, the proposed arrangement would be designed to provide relief to vulnerable Nigerians while supporting economic activity and domestic production.
He also questioned the policy positions of other presidential contenders, arguing that Atiku had a clearer and more consistent approach to the country’s economic difficulties.
The ADC-PCC assured the GMN of its willingness to collaborate with grassroots organisations and Nigerians seeking a change in government.
The council said its broader objective was to rebuild public confidence in governance, improve citizens’ welfare and promote national development ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The statements made by the ADC-PCC and the GMN represent the positions of the opposition groups and their supporters. Their criticisms of the Tinubu administration and endorsements of Atiku were not independent assessments of the candidates’ records or policy proposals.
