Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday appeared before the Presidential Screening Panel of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, in a closed-door session as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Atiku presented his credentials for verification and assessment as part of the party’s nomination process, with the exercise described by him as smooth and productive.
Speaking briefly to journalists after the screening, the former Vice President declined further engagement but said, “The screening went well.”
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku was said to have used the opportunity to present what he described as a comprehensive economic rescue blueprint and a national security reform agenda aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deepening challenges.
According to the statement, Atiku told the panel that his vision goes beyond party politics, describing it as “an opportunity to present a practical and urgent pathway for rescuing Nigeria from the grip of economic stagnation, mass unemployment, institutional drift, and the horrifying insecurity that has left innocent citizens vulnerable to massacres, kidnappings, and terror attacks.”
He warned that Nigeria cannot continue on its current trajectory of economic hardship and policy uncertainty, which he said continues to undermine livelihoods and investor confidence.
“The statement quoted Atiku as saying 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.”
On his economic agenda, Atiku said his blueprint would focus on job creation, private sector expansion, fiscal discipline, macroeconomic stability, and policies designed to restore investor confidence and drive sustainable growth.
On national security, he expressed concern over rising violence across the country, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“Atiku expressed concern over the relentless bloodshed across the country, saying that 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 further outlined his security proposal, which includes intelligence-led operations, improved inter-agency coordination, decentralised security structures, and stronger political will to confront criminality.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to building a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria where citizens can live in peace and pursue opportunities with dignity.
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