- the primary demonstrated that internal democracy remains possible despite concerns about the state of democratic governance in the country
- He alleged that anti-corruption agencies and security institutions were being used selectively against opposition figures
- He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of undermining opposition parties
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress following the party’s nationwide primary election.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Atiku secured the ticket after polling 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 504,117 votes.
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The results were announced after the completion of vote collation from across the country.
Speaking after his emergence, Atiku expressed gratitude to party members for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the ADC into the next general election.
He described the victory as a humbling moment and praised the party for conducting what he called a transparent and democratic process.
According to him, the primary demonstrated that internal democracy remains possible despite concerns about the state of democratic governance in the country.
The former vice-president said members of the ADC were given the freedom to contest, express their ambitions and participate in a process he described as free and fair.
Atiku also described the ADC coalition as a movement built on sacrifice, compromise and a shared commitment to defending democracy in Nigeria.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of undermining opposition parties and alleged that state institutions were being used to weaken political rivals.
The ADC candidate further claimed that opposition politicians were being intimidated and harassed, citing the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as an example.
He alleged that anti-corruption agencies and security institutions were being used selectively against opposition figures, while those who joined the ruling party allegedly escaped prosecution.
Atiku warned against any attempt to interfere with the affairs of the ADC, insisting that the party would resist actions aimed at destabilising it.
He congratulated fellow aspirants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest and commended them for their commitment to democratic ideals.
The former vice-president also urged party members to remain united, stressing that the primary was not a battle between enemies but a democratic process within one political family.
According to him, the focus of the party should now shift towards preparing for the next general election and presenting Nigerians with an alternative leadership option.
He also thanked the primary election committee, party officials, stakeholders and volunteers for ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise.
Atiku said the party’s next task would be to begin intensive campaigns ahead of the 2027 election as part of efforts to challenge the ruling government and address the country’s economic and security challenges.
