Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accepted his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging to lead the party into the next general elections.
In a statement posted on X, Atiku described his nomination as a privilege and thanked party members for what he called a free, fair and transparent primary process.
He said the ADC coalition was formed through “hard work, sacrifices and compromises” aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democracy, which he claimed is under threat.
Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of suppressing opposition parties through alleged interference involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and elements within the judiciary.
He also alleged that opposition politicians are being harassed and pressured to defect to the APC, claiming that investigations and charges against some politicians are dropped once they join the ruling party.
The former vice president specifically referenced the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he has remained in custody for months despite court orders granting bail.
Atiku warned against what he described as attempts to interfere in the affairs of the ADC, including alleged efforts to deregister the party.
He called on party members and supporters to remain united ahead of the elections, saying the focus should now shift to campaigning and addressing what he described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity and political intolerance in the country.
He also commended other contestants in the primary and thanked party officials, stakeholders and volunteers for their roles in the process.
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