Former vice president says Nigeria’s deepening crises demand a proven leader, not popularity-driven choices.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong caution to delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging them to choose a presidential candidate based on competence, experience, and national appeal—not social media hype—ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stressed that the party must present its most formidable candidate if it hopes to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

He dismissed online popularity as a poor indicator of leadership readiness, warning that Nigeria’s current challenges require far more than digital enthusiasm.

“This is not a season for political experimentation. Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency,” Atiku declared.

Without naming specific contenders, he took aim at aspirants riding on waves of social media support, arguing that winning elections—and governing effectively—requires structure, strategy, and a track record of performance.

“Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation. The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate—not merely its loudest,” he said.

Atiku described the moment as critical for both the party and the country, noting that Nigeria is battling economic hardship, rising debt, insecurity, and weakening institutions.

“At a time when Nigeria is bleeding from every pore… the question before the ADC is simple: who has the capacity not merely to campaign, but to govern effectively from day one?” he asked.

He argued that the next president must possess proven experience in international negotiations, economic management, crisis response, and coalition-building, along with a clear roadmap for recovery.

Highlighting his own track record, Atiku pointed to his role during the Obasanjo administration, citing reforms such as the privatisation of key sectors, fiscal policies that contributed to Nigeria’s debt relief, and broader governance restructuring efforts.

He concluded that the stakes in 2027 are too high for sentiment-driven decisions, urging ADC delegates to make a choice grounded in competence and national interest.