Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will back any candidate who emerges as the presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, regardless of age or political affiliation.
Atiku, who is one of the leading aspirants on the ADC platform, made the pledge in an interview with DW Hausa aired on Saturday.
“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer. How many are we? Three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested,” he said.
The former Vice-President also dismissed concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could undermine the ADC’s chances, despite the electoral body’s recent decision to cease communication with the party’s current leadership.
INEC had on Wednesday said it would not monitor the ADC’s national convention scheduled for April 14, citing a court ruling. The ADC rejected the move, accusing INEC of misinterpreting the judgment.
Atiku alleged that vested interests were behind the party’s current leadership crisis, adding that the ADC’s growing popularity had made it a target.
He stressed that the ADC is now a youth-friendly party committed to inclusion, noting that most aspirants for councillorship, state assembly, and National Assembly seats are young people.
“The youths have taken over the party. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.
When asked if he could support a youth candidate should the party field one, Atiku replied, “Yes, why not?
“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.
The former Vice-President expressed confidence that Nigerians are more ready for change now than they were in 2023, citing worsening economic and security conditions.
“We are confident that Nigerians are yearning for change. They are being pushed to the wall and are prepared to do even more than they did in the previous elections,” he said.
Atiku linked rising insecurity, particularly in the North, to youth unemployment and poor access to education, while also accusing the government of tolerating corruption.
“I have never witnessed a period like this in Nigeria,” he said.
The ADC is expected to hold its national convention on April 14, though INEC has said it will not monitor the exercise. The party has vowed to proceed regardless.
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