Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to select a presidential candidate for the 2027 elections who possesses competence, courage, and a national reach. In a statement released on May 24, 2026, Atiku emphasized that this election is crucial for Nigeria, which faces economic collapse and institutional decay. He warned against choosing candidates based on sentiment, arguing that the ADC must focus on strategic thinking and the ability to unify diverse interests to form a winning coalition. Atiku referenced his own experience during a period of significant economic reform as evidence of his capability to lead. He stressed that elections should not be based on social media popularity but rather on the candidate's preparedness and credibility. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of defeating the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by presenting a strong and credible candidate. The ADC has also faced internal challenges, as noted by Peter Obi, who discussed his departure from the ADC coalition due to disputes and legal issues.