The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the economy, insecurity and the cost of living will be major issues in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election as the party defends its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against criticism from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said voters, rather than individual political figures, would decide the election based on their experiences under the current administration.
The statement followed renewed criticism of Atiku and came as the APC faced questions over President Bola Tinubu’s record on the economy and security.
Abdullahi accused the ruling party of using Obasanjo’s comments about Atiku to divert attention from concerns raised about the government.
“Opinions do not erase records,” the ADC said while responding to Obasanjo’s position on Atiku.
The party also challenged the Federal Government to explain the continued increase in food and basic living costs despite its claims of economic growth.
According to the ADC, Nigerians also need answers on poverty, unemployment, borrowing and debt servicing. The party further questioned the government’s handling of attacks by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers in parts of the country.
Abdullahi said the APC should respond to those issues instead of attacking Atiku and other critics.
The ADC also defended Atiku’s record as vice president during Obasanjo’s administration, arguing that political differences between the two men should not erase the economic record of that period.
The opposition party said the 2027 election would give voters an opportunity to assess the government’s record alongside the alternatives presented by opposition parties.
“Ultimately, the election will not be decided by the opinion of any one individual,” the ADC said.
The party’s statement puts the Tinubu administration’s economic and security record at the centre of its argument for the 2027 election.
