Olayiwola Matthew
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appeared before the Presidential Screening Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A leading aspirant for the ticket, Atiku is up against former Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman and industrialist, Mohammaed Hayatudeen.
On Wednesday afternoon, Atiku arrived at the Transport Hilton Hotel, Abuja, for the screening exercise.
In his delegation were former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; former Imo Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, former Minister of Police Affairs Maina Waziri, among others.
His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, today appeared before the Presidential Screening Panel of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he not only presented his credentials for verification as part of the party’s presidential nomination process, but also laid before the panel his bold economic rescue blueprint and comprehensive security action plan for a nation bleeding from economic distress and escalating insecurity.
According to his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the engagement as far more than a routine party process, saying it was 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 reportedly stated that Nigeria could not 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.
He stressed that his economic blueprint is anchored on job creation, private sector expansion, fiscal discipline, stable macroeconomic management, and a renewed commitment to restoring Nigeria as a destination for serious investment and sustainable growth.
On security, Atiku expressed grave concern over the relentless bloodshed across the country, noting 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 said his security plan will prioritise intelligence-led operations, stronger inter-agency coordination, decentralised security architecture, and the political will to confront criminality without hesitation.
“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 to have said.
The ADC had earlier fixed the screening for the weekend, but citing security concerns in some parts of the north, the opposition party shifted the exercise.
While Senator Imoke is Chairman of the Presidential Screening Committee, Abdulfatah Ahmed, also a former governor, is head of the Presidential Election Committee.
Other members of the Presidential Screening Committee include Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum as Secretary, Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Hon. Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, Prof. David Salifu, and Col. Abubakar Ali Ciroma.
The Presidential Election Committee also has Prof. Yisa Gana as Secretary, alongside Maj.-Gen. Adamu Jalingo, Dr Auwalu Anwar, Chief Emenike Ikechi, Dr. Macaulay Iyare, Tajudeen Bakare, Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi, Zainab Buba Galadima, Uzoamaka Onyeama, and Maj.-Gen Muhammad Inuwa Idris as members.
