Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he would drop his 2027 presidential ambition if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents a younger and widely acceptable candidate.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Atiku stressed that his interest in the election should not discourage younger politicians from contesting. He pledged to give them his full support and guidance.
“If the ADC can present a young, vibrant and acceptable candidate for the 2027 election, I am willing to step down for such an individual,” Atiku said.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer dismissed claims that he is desperate for power, insisting that his focus is on rescuing Nigeria from what he described as years of bad leadership.
Atiku explained that frustrations with unresolved crises in the PDP pushed him towards the ADC, alleging that some PDP leaders were being used by the ruling APC to destabilize the opposition.
“At PDP, the crises kept growing and hopes of resolving them faded because key leaders had personal interests. If I had influence over the chairman or secretary, things might have been different,” he said.
He added that the ADC is currently working to strengthen its structures at the state and local government levels in preparation for the 2027 elections.
