Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of contributing to Nigeria’s economic difficulties, urging voters to remove the party from power in the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Akure, Ondo State, during the defection of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede and his supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku called for a change in leadership and outlined some of his party’s proposed policies.
He pledged that an ADC government would restore fuel subsidies and strengthen national security, saying the party would work to address economic hardship and insecurity across the country.
Atiku Promises Fuel Subsidy Restoration
Atiku said his party would prioritise economic recovery and security if elected, promising to restore fuel subsidies as part of its proposed response to the rising cost of living.
“We are committed to restoring subsidy; we are committed to restoring security all over this country. If we are elected, no part of this country would feel insecure anymore,” he said.
The former vice-president also compared Nigeria’s economic standing during his time in office, from 1999 to 2007, with its current position, arguing that the country had experienced a decline under the APC.
“You know what we did between 1999 and 2007. We took Nigeria to be the first finest economy in Africa. Today, we are number five. Who is responsible for taking us down and backward? Is it not APC?” he asked.
Atiku urged Nigerians to vote against the ruling party in 2027, repeating the slogan, “Tinubu must go.”
ADC Calls for Grassroots Mobilisation
The ADC presidential candidate also urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and take measures to protect their votes during the next general election.
He referenced the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, calling on supporters to replicate what he described as strong voter turnout and efforts to safeguard ballots.
Atiku said Jegede’s defection would strengthen the ADC’s political structure in Ondo State and expressed confidence that the party would continue expanding its support base nationwide.
The ADC National Chairman, David Mark, was represented at the event by the party’s National Secretary and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Aregbesola encouraged party members to embark on house-to-house campaigns and mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 elections. He also promised that an ADC-led government would address the rising cost of living.
“You can see things are costly; we are going to bring it down,” Aregbesola said.
He added that the party’s electoral strength would depend on the number of votes it secured, urging supporters to turn out in large numbers for the ADC.
Jegede Explains Defection to ADC
Jegede, who formally left the PDP for the ADC alongside his supporters, said his decision was motivated by a desire to contribute to building a democratic alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
He identified unemployment, economic hardship and rising living costs as some of the major challenges confronting Nigerians.
“There is unemployment in Nigeria; you can all see it. There is hardship; you can all see that,” Jegede said.
“The suffering is too much. The journey has begun. We want a democratic government. We are sure of winning the Senate, House of Representatives and presidency. We are going to mobilise and unite to win come 2027.”
The defection marks a development in the ADC’s efforts to expand its political presence in Ondo State as parties and political figures begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
