Atiku Urges ADC To Prioritise Competence Ahead Of 2027 Amid Emerging Internal Party Tensions

Atiku Urges ADC to Prioritise Competence Ahead of 2027 Amid Emerging Internal Party Tension Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the African Democratic Congress ADC to prioritise competence, capacity, and governance experience in selecting its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against choosing candidates based on popularity or sentiment. Atiku made the call while addressing party stakeholders as internal disagreements and factional alignments continue to deepen within the ADC, with reports of parallel candidates and leadership splits emerging in different blocs of the party. Atiku stressed that Nigeria’s current challenges require a leader with proven administrative capacity rather than one who is simply popular or active on social media. He argued that the country is facing worsening economic hardship, insecurity, rising debt, and institutional weaknesses that demand “serious governance experience” rather than experimentation.According to him, the 2027 election represents a defining moment for Nigeria, and political parties must focus on presenting candidates who can deliver immediate governance results from day one.The former vice president’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the ADC, where internal disputes have reportedly led to factional structures, competing leadership claims, and early positioning by aspirants ahead of the primaries. Political observers say these divisions risk weakening the party’s cohesion as it attempts to build a unified front against the ruling All Progressives Congress Atiku cautioned the ADC against prioritising “social media popularity” or emotional appeal in its selection process, insisting that elections are won through structure, strategy, and governance capacity. He urged delegates to focus on candidates who can build national coalitions, manage complex crises, and implement economic reforms effectively.The ADC has become a major hub for opposition realignment ahead of 2027, attracting several political figures seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. However, analysts warn that internal disagreements and leadership struggles within the party could undermine its ability to present a strong unified candidate.With Nigeria’s next general election scheduled for January 2027, political activity is intensifying across parties as they position themselves for primaries and coalition negotiations. Observers say Atiku’s intervention reflects wider concerns within the opposition about unity, credibility, and electability as the race to unseat the incumbent administration gathers momentum.