Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar pledged Saturday to support whichever candidate wins the African Democratic Congress (ADC) nomination for the 2027 presidential race, signaling a push for party unity as the opposition seeks to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s ruling coalition.
In a DW Hausa interview, the 80-year-old PDP stalwart who recently joined ADC ranks emphasized solidarity among a small field of aspirants.
“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer,” he said.
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“How many are we? Three or four? In the PDP, more than ten contested.”
Atiku noted ADC’s momentum with Nigeria’s youth, who dominate its candidate slates from local councils to the National Assembly.
“The youths have taken over the party,” he said.
“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 affirmed readiness to back a young standard-bearer if selected.
Dismissing threats from the Independent National Electoral Commission after delisting a rival ADC faction, Atiku blamed “powerful interests” for the moves, attributing them to the party’s surging popularity nationwide.
Reflecting on his legacy, Atiku invoked faith: “Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future?”
He tied ADC’s prospects to public frustration over economic woes and insecurity, especially in the north, where youth unemployment and crumbling education fuel unrest.
“Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education,” he said.
“Governments have not ensured that children enroll in school, and even when they graduate, there are no jobs or business opportunities.”
Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of rampant corruption it refuses to confront.
“There is embezzlement on the part of the government, and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved,” he charged.
With inflation above 30% and naira volatility hammering households, Atiku predicted voters’ breaking point: “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.”
