Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to vote President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of power in the 2027 elections, citing economic hardship and insecurity.
Atiku spoke in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday while receiving Eyitayo Jegede, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his supporters into the ADC.
The ex-Vice president said the ADC would offer an alternative government focused on tackling insecurity and economic hardship if elected in 2027.
Atiku promises to restore fuel subsidy
Atiku said an ADC government would restore the petrol subsidy and improve security across the country.
“We are committed to restoring subsidy; we are committed to restoring security all over this country. If we are elected, no part of this country would feel insecure anymore,” Atiku said.
He also criticised the APC administration over Nigeria’s economic performance, comparing the current situation with the period between 1999 and 2007, when he served as vice-president.
“We are committed to restoring subsidy; we are committed to restoring security all over this country. If we are elected, no part of this country would feel insecure anymore,” Atiku said.
He added: “This is the moment for us to vote them out. And there’s this popular saying now that Tinubu must go.”
Atiku has previously reiterated his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected, saying his position on the issue had not changed.
Atiku cites Osun election
The ADC candidate also referred to the August 8, 2026 Osun State governorship election as an example of voter mobilisation and ballot protection.
He urged ADC supporters in Ondo to replicate what he described as the high voter turnout and efforts to protect votes during the Osun election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the Osun governorship election for August 8, 2026.
Atiku said the ADC would strengthen its grassroots structure, mobilise voters across the country and protect its votes during the 2027 elections.
ADC welcomes Jegede
Atiku also welcomed Jegede and his supporters into the ADC, saying the defection would strengthen the party in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jegede said he joined the ADC to contribute to efforts to provide what he described as a democratic alternative.
He cited unemployment, economic hardship and rising living costs as challenges facing Nigerians.
“There is unemployment in Nigeria; you can all see it. There is hardship; you can all see that,” he said.
“The suffering is too much. The journey has begun. We want a democratic government. We are sure of winning the Senate, House of Representatives and presidency. We are going to mobilise and unite to win come 2027.”
ADC calls for grassroots mobilisation
David Mark, the ADC national chairman, was represented at the event by Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s national secretary and former Osun State governor.
Aregbesola urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and campaign for ADC candidates ahead of the elections.
He said: “You can see things are costly; we are going to bring it down.”
“It is our vote that would determine the strength of our political party. As we came out today, let’s vote ADC massively.”
The event came as the ADC continues to build its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
