…ADC Clears Ex-VP for 2027 Presidential Race as He Unveils Economic, Security Blueprint
By Abu Adamu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that his presidential ambition represents “a practical and urgent pathway” to rescue Nigeria from worsening economic decline, insecurity, and institutional drift, following his clearance by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) screening committee ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku made the declaration on Wednesday after appearing before the ADC Presidential Screening Panel in Abuja in a closed-door session as part of the party’s nomination process.
Speaking after the exercise, the former vice president described the screening as smooth and successful, simply telling journalists: “The screening went well.”
However, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he used the opportunity to present what he described as a comprehensive economic recovery agenda and national security reform blueprint aimed at reversing Nigeria’s deepening crises.
According to the statement, Atiku told the panel that his aspiration transcends partisan politics and is driven by the urgent need to reposition the country.
“It is an opportunity to present a practical and urgent pathway for rescuing Nigeria from the grip of economic stagnation, mass unemployment, institutional drift, and the horrifying insecurity that has left innocent citizens vulnerable to massacres, kidnappings, and terror attacks,” he was quoted as saying.
The former presidential candidate lamented what he described as worsening economic hardship, policy inconsistency, and declining investor confidence, warning that the country could not continue on its current path.
He said Nigerian families were increasingly struggling under severe economic pressure, while businesses continued to collapse amid uncertainty and weak economic leadership.
On the economy, Atiku said his proposed agenda would prioritise job creation, private sector expansion, fiscal discipline, macroeconomic stability, and investor confidence, with the ultimate goal of driving sustainable national growth.
He also expressed grave concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation, condemning the continued killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across several parts of the country.
“No responsible government can stand by while citizens are slaughtered in their communities and others abducted on highways, farms, and even in their homes,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Atiku said his security framework would focus on intelligence-driven operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, decentralised security structures, and firm political will to confront criminality nationwide.
“At this defining moment in our national life, Nigeria does not need experiments. It needs tested leadership, clarity of vision, and the courage to make difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest,” he added.
The former vice president reaffirmed his commitment to building what he described as a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria where citizens can pursue opportunities in peace and dignity.