Former VP focuses on building the party and uniting opposition ahead of polls
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced his readiness to forgo the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) if a younger aspirant emerges victorious in the party’s primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, the 78-year-old political veteran said his priority at this stage is to strengthen the ADC as a credible platform to rally the opposition.
“This is only the beginning. Our focus is on building the party and growing a strong base.
If I choose to run and a younger aspirant defeats me, I will accept that,” Atiku said.
He added that the ADC stands out for its emphasis on youth and women, whom he described as the driving forces of Nigeria’s democratic future.
Firm Break from PDP
Atiku dismissed speculation that he might attempt to straddle both the ADC and his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying his political record shows consistency.
“I am not known for double-dealing. When I make a choice, I stay with it,” he said.
Atiku formally resigned from the PDP in July 2025, citing what he described as a sharp departure of the party from its founding principles.
In a letter addressed to his ward chairman in Jada 1 Ward, Adamawa State, he said the PDP had “taken a path that diverges from the ideals we once stood for.”
A Veteran Facing a New Political Era
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007, has been a regular fixture in presidential contests — running in 2007, 2019, and 2023.
By the time of the 2027 election, he will be around 81 years old, and questions about generational change have become more prominent in political discourse.
Analysts believe his pledge to step aside for a younger candidate signals awareness of shifting voter priorities in a country where more than 70% of the population is under 35.
Building the ADC Before Personal Ambitions
Atiku emphasized that strengthening the ADC and consolidating opposition forces is more pressing than his personal presidential ambition.
He believes a united opposition is essential to mount a serious challenge to the ruling party in 2027.
Observers suggest that this posture could help reposition the ADC as a forward-looking party and give younger leaders confidence to contest within its ranks.
Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
Atiku’s comments have sparked a wave of reactions:
- Supporters of political renewal welcomed his openness to generational change, describing it as a positive step toward inclusive democracy.
- Skeptics question whether he would genuinely relinquish the ticket if the party’s delegates rally behind him, pointing to his long history as a frontline contender.
Some analysts say his statement could embolden younger aspirants who might have otherwise hesitated to compete against a seasoned heavyweight.
Possible Rivals for the ADC Ticket
While the ADC has yet to release its official lineup of presidential aspirants, political observers have mentioned figures such as Peter Obi, former Labour Party flagbearer, and Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State.
Both men are younger than Atiku and have considerable political networks and followings, especially among urban and youth voters.
Their potential entry into the ADC race could set the stage for a fiercely contested primary.
Challenges and Opportunities for the ADC
Atiku’s presence in the ADC carries both advantages and risks:
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Opportunities:
- His political stature and experience may help mobilize nationwide support and improve the party’s visibility.
- His defection from the PDP lends the ADC additional credibility as a viable opposition platform.
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Challenges:
- Balancing the influence of a seasoned political heavyweight with the push for younger leadership could test the party’s internal democracy.
- Ensuring a transparent and fair primary process will be critical to maintaining the party’s unity and credibility.
Outlook for the 2027 Race
The ADC’s presidential primaries, expected to be held in late 2026, will be pivotal in defining the party’s direction and messaging.
Atiku’s statement has positioned him as both a potential candidate and a possible kingmaker, depending on the outcome.
Political commentators say the ADC’s ability to attract credible aspirants and manage internal rivalries will determine whether it can emerge as a serious contender against the ruling party.
Bottom Line
Atiku’s pledge to accept defeat in the ADC primary if a younger candidate prevails is seen as a notable gesture in Nigeria’s often personality-driven politics.
Whether this approach will translate into real change — both for the party and for the broader opposition — will be tested in the months leading up to the primaries and the 2027 general elections.
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