Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritise competence, experience and national appeal when choosing its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking through a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku warned the party against relying on social media popularity or emotional momentum, insisting that Nigeria cannot afford what he described as “political experimentation.”
“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” Atiku stated.
Without mentioning any specific rival, the former presidential candidate took an apparent swipe at politicians gaining popularity online, stressing that elections are won through structure, strategy and governance capacity — not social media trends.
“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art,” he said.
Atiku argued that with the country battling economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt and institutional collapse, the ADC must present its strongest and most prepared candidate capable of governing effectively from day one.
He also pointed to the economic reforms carried out during the Obasanjo-Atiku administration as evidence of his experience and readiness for leadership.
According to him, the reforms that led to debt relief, privatisation and economic restructuring were products of competence, courage and strategic governance.
Atiku further challenged ADC delegates to focus on winning the election and rescuing Nigeria rather than making symbolic political statements.
“ADC delegates must ask themselves: do we want to make a statement, or do we want to make a president?” he asked.
The former vice president maintained that defeating an incumbent government would require a candidate with national acceptance, political experience and the ability to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides.
