APC rejected the emergence of ADC Atiku, saying Nigerians will judge Tinubu based on his performance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, and insisted that the ruling party remains focused on the performance of President Bola Tinubu and the delivery of the New Hope Agenda.

Reacting to developments that occurred on Thursday, the APC described Atiku’s candidacy as the latest president as another sign of political inconsistency and desperation, stating that Nigerians will prioritize government results, continuity and stability over the opposition coalition ahead of the next general election.

The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the APC was not deterred by Atiku’s emergence and expressed confidence that voters would judge Tinubu’s government on merit, not political sentiment.

He stated, “Of course, we are not bothered that he (Atiku) has emerged as the presidential flag bearer. However, we are confident that Nigerians will look at the performance of his party. They will look at the performance of the President, and will not let sentiment play a significant role in their decision-making.

Also read: Presidency Rejects Appearance of ADC Atiku, Says Opposition Coalition Lacks Vision

“We are confident that Nigerians will evaluate the President’s New Hope Agenda as well as the promises made by his party. And we are confident that their votes will support us.”

The ruling party further argued that Atiku’s political direction raises questions regarding consistency and commitment to previously agreed political understandings, especially amidst the ongoing debate around the rotation of power between the North and the South.

“The emergence of Atiku shows inconsistency and a failure of integrity. It shows a failure to honor agreed terms and keep promises made. Looking at the sentiments and emotions in the country, everyone will agree that Nigeria will not allow power to shift from the South to the North.”

The APC reaction follows Atiku’s victory in the ADC presidential primaries, where he defeated former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to secure the party’s ticket in the 2027 presidential election.

Although opposition figures and coalition leaders celebrated Atiku’s emergence as a major political shift ahead of 2027, the APC maintained that the ruling party remained in control politically and electorally.

The party also argues that the opposition coalition lacks ideological direction and is largely driven by dissatisfaction among politicians seeking relevance outside of government.

Political observers say the escalating debate between the APC and opposition parties signals an early intensification of the 2027 presidential election, with both camps already positioning themselves on government performance, national unity, economic woes and the ongoing debate over zoning and power rotation.