Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asserted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only political party positioned to rescue Nigeria from its ongoing challenges. His declaration came on Thursday during a campaign rally in Abuja, where he endorsed Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Local Council elections set for February 21.
Atiku joined Dr. Paul’s campaign trail at Apo Wasa, an area within AMAC, addressing supporters and highlighting the stakes of the local polls. He described Dr. Paul, widely known as “Dr. Mo,” as a relatable figure for Abuja’s youth, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the municipal council. “Dr. Mo is the kind of Nigerian young people in Abuja can relate to and trust with the future of the Municipal Council,” Atiku stated in a written release.
He urged voters across the FCT, particularly in AMAC, to support all ADC candidates in the upcoming elections. According to Atiku, this unified vote would mark the initial step toward removing the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) government, which he criticized as “failed.” His broader message framed the ADC as the vehicle for national recovery: “ADC is undoubtedly the party that will salvage Nigeria, and the surest bet is to start with Dr. Mo and AMAC.”
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, remains an influential opposition figure. His endorsement of ADC, rather than his former party the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), underscores a strategic shift in his political alliances ahead of key elections. The ADC has actively promoted itself as a viable alternative to the dominant APC and PDP, often appealing to younger demographics and those disillusioned with mainstream politics.
The February 21 FCT Local Council elections will determine leadership for several area councils, including AMAC, which oversees municipal services in Nigeria’s capital. These local contests, while sometimes overshadowed by national polls, are critical for urban governance, infrastructure, and community development in Abuja. Dr. Moses Paul is one of multiple aspirants vying for the AMAC chairmanship, competing against candidates from other parties.
Atiku’s narrative taps into widespread concerns about Nigeria’s economic pressures, security issues, and governance deficits, attributing these to APC leadership. By linking local victories in AMAC to national salvation, he amplifies the ADC’s campaign theme that change must begin at the grassroots. His statement also reflects heightened political maneuvering in the FCT, a region that often serves as a barometer for federal sentiment.
As the election date approaches, Atiku’s endorsement may galvanize ADC supporters and attract undecided voters in Abuja. However, the APC, which controls the federal government, is expected to mount a robust defense of its local seats. The outcome in AMAC and other FCT councils will not only shape municipal administration but also signal the electorate’s appetite for opposition coalitions in the capital territory. Observers note that strong showings by parties like ADC could reshape political dynamics ahead of future national elections.
