Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will support whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku, who is also one of the party’s presidential hopefuls, stressed the importance of unity within the ADC, noting that all aspirants would rally behind the eventual flagbearer.
He downplayed concerns about internal rivalry, pointing out that the number of aspirants within the party remains relatively small compared to previous contests in other political platforms.
His comments come amid tensions between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, which recently announced it would suspend engagement with the party’s leadership and would not monitor its planned national convention scheduled for April 14, citing a court ruling.
The ADC has, however, rejected INEC’s position, insisting that the commission misinterpreted the judgment. Party leaders have vowed to proceed with the convention and other activities as planned.
Atiku dismissed concerns that the dispute could weaken the party, arguing that the ADC continues to gain momentum and attract new members across the country. He also alleged that powerful interests unsettled by the party’s growing influence may be behind its current challenges.
On inclusivity, the former vice-president described the ADC as a platform driven largely by young people and women, noting that many of its candidates at various levels are youths.
When asked whether he would support a younger presidential candidate, Atiku responded affirmatively, stating that his priority is securing a better future for the next generation.
He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s political climate, saying many citizens are eager for change due to worsening economic conditions and insecurity, which he believes could influence the outcome of future elections.
Addressing security concerns, particularly in northern Nigeria, Atiku linked rising violence to youth unemployment and poor access to education. He criticised successive administrations for failing to prioritise job creation and schooling, warning that neglect in these areas has worsened instability.
He further accused the current government of not doing enough to tackle corruption, alleging continued mismanagement of public resources.
Despite the challenges, Atiku maintained that the ADC is positioning itself as a credible alternative and expressed confidence that the party will play a major role in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
