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ADC Presidential Primary: Atmosphere Charged as Candidate Delivers Fierce Attack on APC Government

By Our Correspondent

The atmosphere inside the packed convention arena of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was electric as party faithful, delegates, supporters and political observers gathered to witness what many described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the next general election.

Moments after emerging as the presidential candidate of the ADC, the candidate mounted the podium to thunderous applause, waving repeatedly to cheering supporters who chanted party slogans and waved banners bearing the ADC colours. Security was visibly tight around the venue, while party officials and delegates appeared eager and emotionally invested in what could shape the opposition’s direction in the coming months.

In a lengthy and emotionally charged acceptance speech delivered before party leaders, stakeholders and members of the coalition movement, the candidate expressed gratitude for what he called the “singular honour” of leading the ADC into the next presidential election.

“I am truly humbled and excited by this singular honour,” he declared as applause erupted across the hall.

Democracy Under Threat

The speech quickly shifted into a strong criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the government of suppressing democracy and weakening opposition politics across the country.

According to him, while democratic principles were being “strangled and squashed” nationally, the ADC had demonstrated that internal democracy could still thrive through transparent primaries and open competition.

He alleged that virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria were currently battling leadership crises allegedly engineered through the influence of the APC government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary.

One of the most dramatic moments of the speech came when he referenced the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The candidate accused the government of political persecution and described the situation as cruel and undemocratic.

“He has been denied the right to celebrate important religious holidays with his family and denied the opportunity to be by his mother’s side as she took her last breath,” he said solemnly, drawing visible reactions from sections of the audience.

The candidate further accused federal authorities of using anti-corruption agencies and security institutions to intimidate opposition politicians into defecting to the APC.

“Once a person joins the APC, the harassment ceases and the charges magically disappear,” he alleged.

Warning to Presidency, INEC and Judiciary

In one of the strongest sections of the address, the ADC flagbearer warned against what he described as attempts to undermine the newly formed coalition.

He alleged that there were moves to interfere with the party’s activities and even efforts aimed at deregistering the ADC.

“Any further attempt to interfere in the affairs of the party by the Presidency, INEC and judiciary will be fiercely resisted. Enough is enough,” he declared firmly.

The statement triggered loud chants from party supporters inside the venue, many of whom rose to their feet in solidarity.

“No Time to Celebrate”

Despite emerging victorious in the primaries, the candidate repeatedly urged party members to avoid triumphalism, insisting that the nation’s challenges demanded unity rather than internal division.

“This is not the time to celebrate,” he said.

“No one was defeated because we are one party and we all need to recognise the fierce urgency of the moment.”

He praised fellow aspirants for participating peacefully in the process and specifically extended an olive branch to Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, inviting them to join forces with him ahead of the election.

Observers at the event noted that the reconciliation message appeared strategically aimed at preventing post-primary fractures within the coalition.

Security and Economy Dominate Address

The speech devoted significant attention to insecurity, economic hardship, education and healthcare — issues expected to dominate national political conversations ahead of the election.

On security, the ADC candidate painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, lamenting the killings across various regions and expressing concern over attacks on military personnel.

“Our people are being slaughtered in large numbers and the government has failed to take decisive action,” he stated.

He promised that an ADC-led administration would strengthen the military, police and intelligence agencies through recruitment, improved welfare, better equipment and enhanced coordination.

On the economy, the candidate accused the APC government of deepening poverty despite claims of economic growth.

“What has really been growing is the ill-gotten wealth of a few in and around the corridors of power,” he alleged.

He also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians had not seen accountability regarding the savings generated from the policy. According to him, the current administration’s borrowing pattern was mortgaging the future of younger generations.

Promise of Free Education and Better Healthcare

The candidate promised free and compulsory primary and secondary education, while pledging major investments in infrastructure, teachers’ welfare and skills development for Nigerian youths.

On healthcare, he criticised what he described as poor budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Health and promised a healthcare system focused on prevention, primary healthcare and specialist medical centres.

“Our people should not have to travel abroad for quality medical treatment,” he said.

Coalition Politics Takes Centre Stage

Political analysts present at the event observed that the speech was carefully designed to position the ADC as the central opposition platform capable of challenging the APC in the next election cycle.

The repeated references to coalition-building, unity among opposition figures and resistance against alleged political intimidation underscored the broader strategy being pursued by the party.

Supporters at the venue appeared energised throughout the speech, frequently interrupting with applause, chants and standing ovations.

As the event drew to a close, the candidate ended on a unifying note, urging party members to remain committed to what he described as the “sacred responsibility” of rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship, insecurity and political intolerance.

“We have a sacred responsibility to build a party that will stand as a great institution not only in Nigeria but as a great example to the world,” he declared.

The speech may well mark the beginning of what promises to be a heated and highly contested political season as opposition parties prepare to challenge the ruling APC in the coming elections.
https://www.metrosavana.com/atiku-abubakar-emerges-the-adc-flag-bearer-for-2027-presidential-election/

Now, he is fully ready for the defeat ahead of him!

Abubakar should just retire after 2027!

Who are the persons deceiving this man with the wrong advice they are giving to him?
They say if native doctor dey check something for you make you too dey use your head.
This man no dey use him head at all.
He is a man that doesn't stand a chance to win in a race yet he doesn't want to give way to people who stand chance to win.
You don't want to go further yet you don't want people who want to go further to drive pass you.This is stupid!
2027 he will contest again and he will be defeated as usual and he knows this yet he keeps wasting his time,energy and resources.
Atiku go and rest because you don't stand a chance to win in this coming election.
Support the OK ticket so that Nigeria will be OK for you,your children and children's children and for Nigeria and Nigerians.

atiku looted Nigeria blind just to waste the money losing elections. And he's losing because he's a looter. The irony.

Atiku looted our dollars blindly during his time as vice president of Nigeria

I want to believe that he looted more than the late general sani abacha because if not, how does that he gets the millions of dollars that he throws around in election primaries ?

He used the dollars to win Wike in 2023 presidential primaries which made Wike to destroy the PDP, Now he used dollars again to defeat rotimi ameachi this time at ADC .

Atiku, no matter the dollars you throw around, you can never be president of Nigeria because you are corrupt like tinubu.


We will rally round his Excellency, Mr Peter Obi/kwankwaso ticket and by the grace of God we will win.

And this is how the opposition lost the election before it started. Pre 2023. Tinubu may return in 2027 with the likes of Atiku who can’t seem to respect the principles of zoning in Nigeria politics.

Incoming second position medal 🏅 🏅 🥈 on the beat 😷

Food4Thought:
Who are the persons deceiving this man with the wrong advice they are giving to him?
They say if native doctor dey check something for you make you too dey use your head.
This man no dey use him head at all.
He is a man that doesn't stand a chance to win in a race yet he doesn't want to give way to people who stand chance to win.
You don't want to go further yet you don't want people who want to go further to drive pass you.This is stupid!
2027 he will contest again and he will be defeated as usual and he knows this yet he keeps wasting his time,energy and resources.
Atiku go and rest because you don't stand a chance to win in this coming election.
Support the OK ticket so that Nigeria will be OK for you,your children and children's children and for Nigeria and Nigerians.

It is not your money, energy and time. You guys should rest. Atiku and responsible Nigerians will NEVER support the desperate repackaged Agulu fraud. Instead of Obi to enter, Tinubu should remain there for life.

we don predicted b4 that baba primate AY talk say😏 🙄😒 😄😏 🙄 he saw Atiku as Winner

Imagine this useless, senseless, GBAJUE talk . U do magomago primaries.Instead make u settle that,nah APC, a d the CRIMINAL in DSS cage he dey yarn about.Dey should release El Rufai to continue wit his Evil

That greedy old man



None of the opposition can defeat this Tinubu oo.. it's just sad

Perennial presidential aspirant.

ADC no get voltage again 🤷🏿.

Congratulations to Amed again. No opposition in sight ..

And as a Nigerian,brace up for the impact ahead. Nigga has got nothing to loose,Una go see double of what he is doing now.. Taxes,hike in prices and all of that.. Be prepared!

As expected, he paid his way through, instead of forming one formidable opposition, this man desperation will not allow, Always contesting even when it is not the turn of North.

His emergence will further split vote thereby given Tinubu an edge.

sleek214:
It is not your money, energy and time. You guys should rest. Atiku and responsible Nigerians will NEVER support the desperate repackaged Agulu fraud. Instead of Obi to enter, Tinubu should remain there for life.

Your hate for Obi and the Igbo has become an incurable cancer to your heart.
Please tell me fraudulent acts Obi was involved in.