Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritise competence, experience and national appeal when selecting the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku cautioned against relying on social media popularity and public hype in choosing a presidential flag bearer.
According to the former vice president, Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges demand a leader with proven governance capacity rather than an untested candidate.
“At a time when the country is battling economic hardship, rising debt, insecurity and institutional failure, this is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” he stated.
Atiku also dismissed the growing excitement surrounding some potential contenders, insisting that elections are won through political structure, strategy and leadership competence — not online popularity.
“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art, and the presidency is not a platform for improvisation. The ADC must present Nigerians with its strongest, most credible and best-prepared candidate,” he said.
The former presidential candidate described the decision before ADC delegates as a historic responsibility, stressing that the nation requires a leader capable of governing effectively from day one.
He added that Nigeria needs someone who has demonstrated leadership experience, managed national challenges, built strategic alliances and articulated practical solutions for economic recovery and national renewal.
