Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday used his appearance before the presidential screening panel of the African Democratic Congress to unveil what he described as a bold economic recovery agenda and a comprehensive security strategy aimed at tackling Nigeria’s worsening economic and security crises.
Atiku appeared before the party’s screening panel in Abuja as part of the ADC’s preparations for its presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued shortly after the exercise by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the engagement went beyond a routine party process, describing it as an opportunity to present “a practical and urgent pathway” for rescuing the country from economic hardship and rising insecurity.
According to the statement, Atiku told the panel that Nigeria was at a critical crossroads, warning that the country could no longer sustain policies that deepen poverty, discourage investment, and leave citizens exposed to violent attacks.
“He stated that Nigeria cannot continue on the current trajectory where families struggle daily under crushing hardship, businesses collapse under policy uncertainty, and investor confidence continues to erode in the absence of coherent economic leadership,” the statement read.
The former presidential candidate said his economic blueprint would focus on job creation, expansion of the private sector, fiscal discipline, macroeconomic stability, and policies designed to restore investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
Atiku also raised concerns over the security situation across the country, citing persistent attacks by bandits, kidnappers, and insurgent groups in several parts of Nigeria.
According to him, “no responsible government can stand by while citizens are slaughtered in their communities and others abducted on highways, farms, and even in their homes.”
He said his proposed security framework would prioritise intelligence-driven operations, stronger collaboration among security agencies, decentralised policing structures, and decisive political leadership in confronting criminal networks.
“At this defining moment in our national life, Nigeria does not need experiments. It needs tested leadership, clarity of vision, and the courage to make difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest,” Atiku said.
“He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to building a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace and pursue opportunity with dignity,” the statement added.
Atiku, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, has remained a dominant figure in opposition politics and has contested for the presidency multiple times. His latest move comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 election cycle, with opposition figures seeking broader coalitions to challenge the ruling establishment.
