The winner of the African Democratic Congress presidential primary election, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, took a swipe at the ruling APC government, saying Nigerians would be offered “renewed action” in place of what he described as the administration’s “meaningless renewed hope” ahead of the next general election.
In a statement issued after emerging as the ADC presidential flag bearer, Atiku said his administration would replace the APC renewed hope agenda with practical steps aimed at reversing the country’s economic and social decline.
“Fellow citizens, where the APC government offers meaningless renewed hope, we will provide renewed action to repair the damage that they have done to our economy and society in the last twelve years of misrule,” he said.
The former Vice President said the coming election would not be a time for celebration but a period for what he called hard work to rescue the country from hardship and political tension.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of suppressing opposition parties, intimidating political figures and pushing the country toward a one-party structure.
Atiku alleged that opposition politicians were being pressured to defect to the APC through the use of security agencies and anti-corruption bodies.
He also spoke on the detention of Nasir El-Rufai, describing the situation as political persecution.
“He has been in detention for three months despite court orders granting him bail,” Atiku stated, adding that the former Kaduna governor was denied the opportunity to be with his late mother before her death.
The ADC candidate warned against any move by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of his party.
“Enough is enough,” he declared.
Atiku said his administration would focus on security, education, healthcare, the economy and equitable power-sharing across the country.
On insecurity, he said an ADC government would strengthen the armed forces, police and other security agencies through recruitment, modern equipment, training and improved welfare.
He lamented the killing of security personnel across the country, saying the government had failed to take firm action against perpetrators.
Speaking on education, Atiku said more than 20 million school-age children were currently out of school under the APC administration.
He pledged to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education while investing in entrepreneurial and technological skills for young Nigerians.
On the economy, the former Vice President accused the government of deepening poverty despite claims of economic growth.
“The poverty gripping our people is at a level that we have never seen in our history,” he said.
He also criticised the handling of fuel subsidy removal and rising borrowing under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that funds saved from subsidy removal had not been properly accounted for.
Atiku further promised investments in healthcare, especially primary healthcare centres, while pledging to improve specialist medical services within the country to reduce medical tourism abroad.
He appealed to aggrieved members of the coalition to return to the party and work together ahead of the election.
The ADC flag bearer also invited Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join hands with him in what he described as a fight to save Nigeria’s democracy.
“There are no winners and no losers,” Atiku said. “I am ready to lead.”