Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has affirmed his dominance in the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, declaring that no Northern contender matches his electoral strength, even as he pledged to abide by the outcome of the party’s selection process.
Atiku, who confirmed his intention to contest the party’s primary ahead of the 2027 election, said the coalition within the ADC would first explore consensus before resorting to a democratic vote.
Speaking during a television interview, the former vice president dismissed the chances of other Northern aspirants, including Senators Rabiu Kwankwaso and Aminu Tambuwal, as well as other emerging figures.
“Can you tell me among the current leaders in the north who has more votes than I have. We are talking of figures like Tambual, Kwankwaso, El-Rufai and the emerging political figures. None of them has gotten more northern block votes as much as I have got,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano State, noting that the voting base in the state is no longer unified.
“Kwankwaso has only Kano votes. We’ll concede that to him. That’s why he’s a leader in the coalition. The absence of his Kano votes may affect us, but even in his own case, you can see how Kano is now split between him and his former governor,” Atiku added.
The former vice president maintained that he would respect the outcome of the party’s internal process, including stepping down if he loses to any aspirant, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
“I will step aside for any winner… including Peter Obi,” he said.
He stressed further: “Yes, I will step aside for any winner.”
Asked if that position extends to Obi, Atiku responded: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
Atiku also underscored that the coalition had agreed on a clear framework for choosing its flagbearer.
“If a consensus candidate emerges, we will support that individual. If not, we will go through a democratic process,” he said, adding, “You emerge through consensus or emerge through the electoral process.”
The race for the ADC ticket has intensified following a wave of defections into the party, including Kwankwaso’s recent move from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as well as earlier alignments by key political figures.
While some stakeholders within the coalition are pushing for a joint ticket, others have insisted on zoning the presidency to the South, deepening internal divisions within the party.