Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday appeared before the Presidential Screening Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the race for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket gathers momentum.
Atiku, considered one of the leading contenders for the ADC ticket, arrived at the Transport Hilton Hotel in Abuja for the exercise accompanied by a high-profile delegation of political allies and former public office holders.
Among those with him were former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Minister of Police Affairs, Maina Waziri.
The screening placed Atiku alongside other aspirants seeking the party’s presidential nomination, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatudeen.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice-president used the engagement not only to present his credentials but also to outline what he described as a practical plan to address Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges.
Atiku reportedly told the panel that the country is facing deep economic hardship, growing unemployment and rising insecurity, insisting that the situation requires urgent and experienced leadership.
He said Nigeria cannot continue on a path where businesses struggle under policy uncertainty, investor confidence weakens and families battle daily hardship.
His proposed economic agenda, according to the statement, focuses on job creation, private sector growth, fiscal discipline and stable macroeconomic policies aimed at restoring investor confidence and driving sustainable development.
On security, Atiku expressed concern over continued killings, kidnappings and attacks across parts of the country, saying no responsible government should allow citizens to live under constant fear.
He said his approach would prioritise intelligence-driven operations, stronger collaboration among security agencies and a decentralised security framework designed to respond more effectively to threats.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
The ADC had initially scheduled the screening for the weekend but later postponed it, citing security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria.
The party’s Presidential Screening Committee is chaired by former Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, while former Kwara governor Abdulfatah Ahmed heads the Presidential Election Committee.
The screening exercise is a key step in the ADC’s process of selecting its presidential candidate as political alignments and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections continue to reshape the opposition landscape.
