Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president, is preparing for his seventh attempt at the presidency, this time on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Abubakar, 78, has been in the race for Nigeria’s top seat since 1993, contesting under different parties without success.
His most recent bid was in 2023 when, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, he lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection to the ADC earlier this year has reignited debates about his political relevance, but the move has also triggered disquiet within the party and among his longtime allies.
Party insiders say some original promoters of the ADC are uneasy about his ambition.
“Many of the original promoters of the party are developing cold feet. It’s not about Atiku’s credentials, it’s the perception of perpetual ambition without results,” a senior ADC source told BusinessDay.
In Adamawa, his political base, reactions have been lukewarm. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has kept his distance, while the Adamawa PDP has flatly refused to follow him into the ADC.
“We are not joining him in the ADC. Quote me, he will not make any impact in 2027 if he continues with his journey into ADC,” Ibrahim Tahir, Adamawa PDP chairman, said.
Tahir advised Abubakar to quit frontline politics.
His words: “He will be more respected now if he chooses to play the role of an elder statesman rather than a presidential candidate of any political party.
“By 2027, age will no longer be on his side, and he will not be strong enough to withstand the rigours of the presidency.”
Abubakar’s network appears increasingly fractured. Boss Mustapha, former secretary to the government of the federation, has denied reports that he would join the ADC.
Similarly, Nasir El-Rufai, ex-governor of Kaduna, is reportedly uncomfortable with Abubakar’s ambition.
Analysts argue that his inability to consolidate his base could make his 2027 run weaker than past attempts. The ADC itself faces questions over its lack of structure and resources compared with the APC and PDP.
Still, some of Abubakar’s loyalists insist he remains a credible alternative.
“You can’t deny him his right to contest.
“As a Nigerian, he is free to contest the 2027 presidential election, no matter what people feel about his candidature,” said Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a Port Harcourt politician and former aide to Abubakar.
Eze dismissed concerns over zoning, arguing it remains legitimate for a northern candidate to run.
“Those canvassing this position are ignorant of the fact that it was Jonathan who disrupted the North’s turn by contesting in 2011,” he said.