ADC Projection: Atiku unveils economic rescue plan as Amaechi rejects federal character – THISAGE

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appeared before the presidential screening committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, where he unveiled what he described as a comprehensive economic rescue plan and bold security agenda ahead of the party’s presidential nomination process for the 2027 elections.

Atiku, in a paper submitted to the committee, said the screening exercise provided him with the opportunity to present practical solutions to Nigeria’s worsening economic and security crisis.

The former vice president said the country is battling economic stagnation, rising unemployment, institutional decline and growing insecurity, stressing that urgent and decisive leadership is needed to reverse the trend.

He lamented the hardships facing many Nigerians, noting that families and businesses are struggling due to political uncertainty and declining investor confidence.

“Nigeria cannot continue on its current trajectory where families struggle daily under enormous hardship, businesses collapse due to political uncertainty and investor confidence continues to erode in the absence of coherent economic leadership,” Atiku said.

According to him, the proposed economic recovery plan would focus on large-scale job creation, private sector expansion, fiscal discipline, stable macroeconomic management and policies designed to restore investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Atiku also expressed concern over worsening insecurity in the country, including persistent killings, kidnappings and violent attacks in several parts of the nation.

He said that no responsible government should allow citizens to remain vulnerable to criminal violence, adding that the proposed security framework would prioritize intelligence-led operations, greater collaboration between security agencies, decentralized policing structures and firm political determination to fight crime.

“At this crucial moment in our national life, Nigeria does not need experiments. It needs proven leadership, clear vision and the courage to take difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest,” he added.

The former Vice President further reaffirmed his commitment to building what he described as a safe, united and prosperous Nigeria where citizens can pursue opportunities in peace and dignity.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Transport and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of his appearance before the commission to criticize the current principle of federal character, declaring that the policy had outlived its usefulness.

Amaechi promised that, if elected president in 2027, he would replace the federal system with competence and meritocracy in governance and public appointments.

The former governor, who was the third and final aspirant selected by the panel, also rejected calls for any other aspirant seeking the ADC presidential ticket to step down.

“We are going to the primaries,” Amaechi told reporters shortly after concluding his session with the panel before leaving the venue without further comment.

Another presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, also reaffirmed his ambition after appearing before the ADC screening committee.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Hayatu-Deen expressed appreciation to the committee members, praising what he described as the seriousness and rigor of the screening exercise.

He said Nigerians want a calm, experienced and credible leader who can guide the country through current challenges, stressing that only a transparent and thorough selection process could position the ADC for victory in the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the ADC represents a clear departure from what he described as the cycle of traditional politics, adding that his candidacy symbolizes a new direction for the country.

Hayatu-Deen also appealed to Nigerians to support his presidential aspiration, presenting himself as a viable alternative ahead of the next general elections.

The ADC screening exercise is part of the opposition party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, as aspirants continue consultations and political engagements in pursuit of the party’s presidential ticket.