Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he is ready to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger and more vibrant candidate emerges under his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He made the statement during an interview with BBC Hausa as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day.
I’m Not Desperate — Atiku
Atiku stressed that his interest in the 2027 elections is not motivated by desperation for power but by his desire to “rescue Nigeria from those holding it hostage.” He encouraged young Nigerians to join the race, promising full political support and guidance if a competent youth steps up Atiku, 77, said his ambition should not deter younger Nigerians from seeking the presidency and assured that he is willing to give maximum support to any credible youth candidate.
“If a younger, vibrant and acceptable candidate emerges, I will step down. Being in the race doesn’t stop anyone. The youths should come out and I will support them,” he said. His comments are already being interpreted in political circles as a green light for Labour Party leader Peter Obi, who is considered one of the leading opposition figures ahead of 2027. Although Atiku did not mention Obi by name, his willingness to withdraw for a younger candidate has sparked speculations of a possible alliance.
Why I Left PDP — Atiku
Atiku also used the interview to explain his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly infiltrating and destabilising the opposition. According to him, the PDP was no longer capable of functioning as a strong alternative because some of its top leaders were “being used” by the APC-led government to frustrate internal reform. “That is one of the reasons we set up ADC, which I am a member. We couldn’t achieve that with the PDP because the APC government decided to use some leaders of the party to frustrate efforts to build a strong opposition.” He said escalating internal crises and lack of responsive leadership made it impossible to rescue the PDP. “If I was the Chairman or Secretary, or someone who listens to me held those positions, I could have taken firm decisions to fix the party. But the people there have different and personal interests.”
ADC Structures Ahead of 2027
Atiku disclosed that the ADC has already put together its national leadership, with efforts ongoing to entrench the party across states and local governments ahead of the next general elections. “Our goal is to establish the structures of the party at the state levels. The national leadership is working to ensure state and local government structures are strengthened and ready for 2027.”
Tinubu to Blame for Rising Poverty – Atiku
The former vice president also took a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of plunging Nigerians into unprecedented economic hardship through the “unplanned” removal of fuel subsidy in 2023. Atiku said during his time in office, subsidy removal was proposed in phases and after extensive engagement with labour unions and stakeholders. “No country removes subsidy fully at once. It brings pain and poverty to the people. Tinubu’s decision without plans to cushion the effect brought this unprecedented suffering.” He said the poverty and hunger currently ravaging the country were avoidable and stemmed from poor economic planning
. Independence Day Reflections
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Atiku lamented that the country had strayed far from the dreams of its founding fathers. He challenged the federal government to take urgent steps to restore hope, even though many Nigerians no longer believe in the current administration’s ability to fix the economy or unite the country. With his willingness to step aside for a younger candidate and his renewed push through the ADC, political observers believe Atiku may be paving the way for a broader opposition coalition—possibly involving figures like Peter Obi—as the 2027 race begins to take shape
Source: Newsweek.