Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging sweeping reforms in security, education, healthcare and the economy if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku spoke on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, shortly after emerging winner of the party’s presidential primary, where he described the process as transparent and a demonstration that internal democracy was still possible within Nigeria’s opposition space.

He said the ADC had proven itself as a coalition built on sacrifice and consensus, insisting that the party remained committed to rescuing Nigeria from what he described as worsening governance failures.

According to him, the conduct of the primary showed that democracy was still alive within the party, in contrast to what he called increasing suppression of opposition voices in the country.

Atiku alleged that opposition parties were facing orchestrated internal crises and intimidation, claiming that state institutions were being used to weaken democratic competition. He also criticised the treatment of opposition figures, saying political intolerance must not be allowed to continue.

He, however, urged party members to close ranks after the primary, stressing that no faction had lost in the process.

“This is not the time to celebrate victory. There are no winners or losers. We are one family with a shared responsibility to rescue our country,” he said.

The former Vice President commended the primary election committee and party leadership for what he described as a credible and peaceful exercise, adding that the real task ahead was building a winning campaign for the general election.

Outlining his agenda, Atiku said an ADC government would prioritise security, education, economic revival and healthcare reform.

On security, he lamented the worsening insecurity across the country, saying both civilians and security personnel were being killed without decisive government response. He promised massive recruitment into the armed forces, improved welfare, modern equipment, and stronger intelligence coordination if elected.

In education, he decried the number of out-of-school children, pledging free and compulsory basic education alongside increased investment in vocational and digital skills development.

On the economy, Atiku criticised the current administration’s handling of inflation, debt and subsidy removal, arguing that Nigerians had not benefited from promised reforms. He said his government would focus on job creation, energy reform, and improved investment climate to stimulate growth.

He also faulted what he described as rising national debt and lack of transparency in borrowing, warning that Nigeria’s economic future was being jeopardised.

On healthcare, the ADC candidate said the sector had suffered neglect, pledging increased funding for primary healthcare and expansion of specialist medical facilities to reduce medical tourism.

Atiku further called for unity within the party, urging aggrieved aspirants, including former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, to join hands with him in building a stronger opposition platform ahead of 2027.

He assured supporters that the ADC would present what he described as “renewed action” rather than slogans, promising detailed policy rollout in the coming weeks.

“Our responsibility is to build a party and a government that will restore hope, fix what has been broken and deliver a better Nigeria for all,” he said.