Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) demonstrates that democracy is thriving within the party, despite what he described as declining democratic values in the wider political space.
Atiku made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja shortly after he was declared winner of the ADC presidential primary election.
He expressed gratitude to party members for what he described as a transparent and competitive process, saying he was honoured to lead the party into the next general elections.
According to him, the internal election showed that ADC remains committed to fairness and openness, where members are free to express their ambitions and contest elective positions without interference.
He contrasted the party’s process with the broader political environment, alleging that democracy in the country is facing serious challenges.
“Atiku said while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party and its oppressive and anti-democratic government, democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress,” he said, adding that the ADC had demonstrated internal democracy through what he called a free, fair and transparent primary.
He further stated that the ADC is part of a coalition built on “sacrifice and compromise,” aimed at strengthening opposition politics and addressing what he described as a weakening democratic system in Nigeria.
Atiku also alleged that opposition parties across the country are facing internal crises and external pressures, claiming that some political figures have been subjected to intimidation and harassment. He argued that such actions, if unchecked, could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He accused the ruling establishment of using state institutions to influence political alignments, insisting that opposition politicians are often pressured to defect while facing less scrutiny once they join the ruling party.
Despite the political tensions he highlighted, Atiku urged unity within the ADC, congratulating fellow contestants and calling for collective effort ahead of the general elections.
He said the party must now focus on what he described as the “urgent task” of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity, and governance concerns, stressing that internal competition was over and unity was now essential.
Atiku concluded that the ADC must work together to present a strong alternative for Nigerians, pledging commitment to what he called rebuilding trust in democratic governance and offering better leadership to the country.
