Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to ensure it presents a competent and experienced candidate in the 2027 general elections, capable of tackling Nigeria’s worsening economic and institutional challenges.

In a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the decision before ADC delegates goes beyond party politics and represents a historic responsibility.

He said the party, founded on the ideals of transparency, accountability, inclusion, and democratic renewal, must prioritize leadership that can effectively govern from day one.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing severe economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, and institutional weaknesses that require urgent and experienced leadership.

“At a time when Nigeria is bleeding from every pore—crippled by economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, institutional failure, and deepening hopelessness—the question before the ADC is simple: who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?” he said.

Atiku warned that the country cannot afford what he described as a “learning-on-the-job presidency,” stressing the need for a leader with proven governance experience.

He argued that Nigeria requires a president who understands governance through practical experience, including managing national issues, building coalitions, and driving economic recovery.

The former vice president also urged party delegates to prioritize competence over sentiment, adding that the 2027 election should not be treated as a political experiment.

“At this defining moment, ADC delegates must ask themselves a simple but profound question: do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a President?” he asked.

Atiku further maintained that leadership should not be reduced to slogans or rhetoric, stressing that effective governance requires experience and strategic thinking.

He referenced his tenure as vice president between 1999 and 2007, saying the reforms introduced during that period demonstrated his readiness for national leadership.

According to him, those reforms—including economic restructuring, privatisation efforts, and fiscal discipline—were driven by competence and deliberate policy direction.

Atiku also noted that defeating an incumbent government would require strong strategy, national appeal, and the ability to build broad political coalitions.

He called on ADC delegates to focus on unity, credibility, and electability as they prepare for the party’s presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

The former vice president is expected to contest the ADC presidential ticket alongside former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Northern Nigeria Development Company boss Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.