Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he is ready to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger, vibrant, and widely accepted candidate emerges under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku, who made the disclosure in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary reflections, stressed that his ambition is not about personal interest but about providing Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting. If a vibrant and widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I am willing to step aside,” he said.
The former PDP presidential flagbearer urged young Nigerians to actively participate in politics, assuring them of his full support if they decide to run for the nation’s highest office.
On his defection to the ADC, Atiku cited unresolved crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and alleged interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as reasons for leaving. He lamented that many PDP leaders were driven by personal interests rather than genuine opposition unity.
He said the ADC is now focused on building strong nationwide structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reflecting on Nigeria at 65, Atiku noted that although the country has undergone many changes, they fall short of the aspirations of its founding fathers, adding that “there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
