The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has described its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as a pan-Nigerian leader capable of uniting the country, urging Nigerians to support his bid in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The council also promised that an Atiku-led administration would restore fuel subsidy under what it described as a transparent and properly managed framework aimed at protecting vulnerable Nigerians and stimulating production.
The Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign council, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated this on Saturday while receiving the leadership of the Grassroots Mobilisation Network, led by its National Coordinator, Sadiq Lwafu, during a visit to his office.
Ologbondiyan said Atiku’s personal relationships, family background, business interests and political associations reflected Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and regional diversity.
“Atiku Abubakar, on the other hand, is a natural Nigerian devoid of ethnic, religious or sectional inclination. He is a leader for all tribes and regions,” he said.
He added, “Atiku represents Nigeria and Nigeria is in him. He is married across the Niger, his children represent our diversity, and his associates cut across every tribe and religion. That is the definition of a Pan-Nigerian leader.”
ADC Campaign Council Accuses Tinubu of Sectionalism
The campaign council contrasted Atiku’s leadership style with that of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the All Progressives Congress-led administration of promoting sectional interests through its appointments and policies.
Ologbondiyan alleged that the President’s approach to governance had deepened divisions rather than strengthened national unity.
“In the last three years, Tinubu has shown clannishness in governance. His appointments, his policies, his body language—everything screams sectionalism and exclusion,” he alleged.
He further accused the APC of exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political advantage, arguing that the party was more concerned with retaining power than addressing the country’s challenges.
“They are not concerned about our unity but about winning elections against the peace and harmony of the nation,” he said.
Ologbondiyan maintained that the administration’s policies had failed to deliver the expected improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
He argued that Atiku’s experience, policy proposals and commitment to economic recovery made him better placed to address the country’s economic difficulties.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads and needs Atiku for the task ahead. He is the only one with a clear blueprint for our economic recovery,” he said.
Atiku to Restore Fuel Subsidy, Council Says
On fuel subsidy, Ologbondiyan said an Atiku government would reintroduce the policy under a framework designed to ensure transparency and direct benefits to vulnerable citizens.
“Atiku is going to bring back subsidy in a transparent and well-managed manner that will directly benefit the poor and stimulate production,” he said.
He described Atiku as a prepared and consistent candidate, insisting that his proposed policies offered solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The statement did not provide details of the proposed subsidy framework, including its funding, implementation mechanism or safeguards against abuse.
Group Begins Nationwide Mobilisation
In his remarks, Lwafu said the Grassroots Mobilisation Network was embarking on a nationwide campaign to rally support for Atiku and secure the defeat of the APC in the 2027 general election.
He criticised the Tinubu administration over economic hardship, insecurity and what he described as a decline in democratic governance.
“President Tinubu’s administration has made life so difficult for Nigerians. The hardship is too much. Nigerians are now living in fear of insecurity,” he said.
Lwafu also alleged that democratic institutions were being undermined and warned that the country risked following the path of African nations where political power had become increasingly concentrated.
“The only man who can rescue Nigeria is Atiku Abubakar, and we are on a mission to ensure that the APC is thrown out of power through the ballot box next year,” he said.
He described the ADC as a credible political platform bringing together experienced politicians and individuals committed to national development.
Among those he listed as prominent figures in the party were its National Chairman, David Mark; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Others mentioned included Tunde Ogbeha, Kashim Imam, Senator Austin Akobundu, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Ralph Nwosu, Dele Momodu and Dino Melaye.
Ologbondiyan commended the group for its grassroots mobilisation efforts and pledged the campaign council’s support for organisations seeking political change through the ballot box.
The council said it would continue working with grassroots groups to mobilise voters, restore public confidence in governance and challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.
