Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has downplayed his personal ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring his readiness to support any candidate, including a young contender, emerging from the African Democratic Congress, in a move seen as reinforcing the party’s growing youth-driven direction and internal unity.
Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, as monitored by ENigeria Newspaper, Atiku downplayed the significance of individual ambition within the party, stressing that collective success remains the priority.
“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.
His remarks have fuelled speculation that the former presidential candidate may not be fixated on clinching the ADC ticket, but rather positioning himself as a stabilising figure within the party as it prepares for 2027. The statement also suggests a possible strategic retreat from an outright contest, at a time when opposition parties are weighing alliances and internal cohesion ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku also expressed strong support for youth inclusion in politics, noting that the ADC has increasingly become a platform for younger Nigerians and women.
“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 the youth 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, he responded in the affirmative, saying, “Yes, why not?”
His response reinforces the perception that the former vice president may be open to backing a new generation of political leadership if it aligns with the party’s broader goals.
The former vice president dismissed concerns that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission, including the delisting of a faction within the party, could weaken the ADC. Instead, he insisted that the party is gaining traction nationwide, attributing its internal challenges to resistance from powerful interests unsettled by its growing influence.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Atiku struck a reflective tone, suggesting a broader concern for legacy and the country’s future.
“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 further argued that worsening economic hardship and insecurity have heightened public demand for political change.
“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 stated.
Atiku linked insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, to youth unemployment and poor access to education, warning that neglect in these areas has deepened the crisis.
“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.
“There is also embezzlement on the part of the government, and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved.”
In addition to expressing openness to a more comprehensive coalition strategy based on consensus and generational inclusion, Atiku’s most recent comments seem to be projecting a party-first stance, which could influence internal dynamics within the ADC as it gets ready to field a strong presidential candidate in 2027.
