Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared his readiness to back whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku, a presidential aspirant on the ADC platform, said all contenders within the party would unite behind the eventual flagbearer.
“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer. How many are we (presidential aspirants), three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested,” he said.
He also dismissed concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the party, insisting that the ADC continues to gain traction nationwide despite recent developments.
INEC had earlier announced it would halt further engagement with the party’s leadership and would not monitor its planned national convention scheduled for April 14, citing a court ruling.
However, the ADC rejected the decision, accusing the electoral body of misinterpreting the judgment and vowing to proceed with its activities.
Atiku attributed the party’s current challenges to vested interests, arguing that its growing popularity has made it a target.
On internal party dynamics, the former vice-president emphasised the ADC’s focus on youth inclusion, noting that younger Nigerians are taking the lead in its political structure.
“The youths have taken over the party. Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly and House of Representatives, are young people. We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.
When asked if he would support a younger presidential candidate, Atiku responded affirmatively.
“Yes, why not,”
“Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future and that of their children?” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians are eager for change, citing economic hardship and insecurity as key concerns.
“We are confident that Nigerians are yearning for change. They are ready for it. They are being pushed to the wall and are prepared to do even more than they did in the previous elections,” he said.
The former vice-president linked the worsening security situation, particularly in northern Nigeria, to youth unemployment and limited access to education.
“Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education. When you go round the region, you see that education is not receiving the attention it deserves. It has been relegated.
“Governments have not ensured that children enrol in school, and even when they graduate, there are no jobs or business opportunities. I have never witnessed a period like this in Nigeria,” he said.
Atiku also accused the government of failing to tackle corruption effectively.
“There is also embezzlement on the part of government and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved,” he said.