Former Vice-President and prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to backing whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.
He insisted that internal party democracy would determine the candidate.
Atiku dismissed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the ADC, noting that the party continued to attract members from across the country despite recent challenges.
On Wednesday, INEC announced that it would cease further communication with the leadership of the ADC and would not monitor the party’s national convention scheduled for April 14, citing a court ruling.
The ADC, however, rejected the commission’s position, accusing it of misinterpreting the judicial decision, and vowed to proceed with the convention and other party activities.
Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku suggested that vested interests were behind the current situation faced by the party.
He noted that the ADC’s growing popularity has made it a target for political maneuvering.
On the question of the party’s presidential ticket, Atiku was unequivocal. “We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flagbearer.
”How many are we contesting, three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested,” he said, referencing his experience in previous elections.
Highlighting the party’s inclusivity, Atiku stressed that the ADC remains youth- and women-friendly.
He pointed out that most candidates seeking elective positions from councillors to state assemblies, Senate, and House of Representatives, are young people.
“We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create opportunities and hand them over to them,” he said.
Asked whether he would support a youth candidate should the party field one for the presidency, 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, underscoring his belief in generational leadership.
Atiku also expressed confidence that Nigerians are ready for change, citing worsening economic and security conditions as key motivators for political transformation.
Linking insecurity in the northern states to youth unemployment and limited access to education, he said, “Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education.
”When you go around 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.”
The former vice president also accused the current administration of tolerating corruption, claiming that embezzlement is rampant and that the government has turned a blind eye because it is involved.
Speaking on the wider implications of these issues, Atiku concluded, “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.”
