Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared he is willing to abandon his pursuit of the presidency in 2027 if a younger candidate emerges from the opposition African Democratic Congress, or ADC . The announcement, made in an interview with BBC Hausa, marks a significant moment in Nigeria's political landscape as opposition forces unite to challenge the ruling party . Atiku stated that his goal is not a personal ambition but to provide a credible alternative for the nation . He expressed his readiness to fully support and guide a younger contender if such a person proves to be vibrant and widely accepted .
This conditional offer comes as Atiku helps lead a major coalition of opposition politicians into the ADC . He explained that his immediate focus is on building the party's structure and popularity across the country . When asked about his specific plans to run, he said it is too early to confirm his candidacy, emphasizing that uniting the opposition is the current priority . "This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following," Atiku said . He added that the ADC is a party that prioritizes youth and women, signaling a new direction for his political strategy .
Atiku's statement introduces a new dynamic to the ADC, a party that has recently become a home for many well-known politicians . Figures like Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate from the 2023 election, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have also shown interest in the ADC's presidential ticket . Both Obi and Amaechi are younger than Atiku, potentially placing them as the kind of candidates his new pledge would support . However, this very scenario has already caused tension within the nascent coalition. A report from July indicated that key figures like former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai are uncomfortable with Atiku's presidential ambition . El-Rufai is a prominent member who has consistently argued that the presidency should remain in southern Nigeria until 2031 . This disagreement highlights the delicate balance the ADC must maintain to keep its diverse coalition united.
The former vice president also used the interview to dismiss any speculation about his commitment to the ADC. He firmly denied suggestions that he might return to the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP, which he left in July . "No, I’m not known for that," he said, rejecting claims of being a double-dealer . He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, or APC, of infiltrating the PDP with moles to destabilize the opposition . He claimed the PDP's internal crises grew beyond repair because the government in power used senior PDP members to weaken the party . His departure from the PDP was due to what he called irreconcilable differences and a shift away from the party's original principles .
This new stance appears to be a calculated move. Just weeks before this interview, Atiku forcefully shut down rumors that he might not run in 2027 . Through a spokesperson, he insisted he would contest, declaring that Nigeria needs to be "decisively rescued from the intensive care unit" he claims it has been placed in under the current administration . He had vowed that the ADC coalition would "shock the world" in the 2027 presidential election . This earlier, uncompromising position makes his current conditional offer to step aside a notable shift in rhetoric. It suggests a strategic flexibility aimed at strengthening the ADC by appealing to younger voters and addressing concerns that he is solely focused on his own ambition.
The success of this strategy is not yet certain. The internal dynamics of the ADC coalition are complex, with several powerful figures holding presidential ambitions of their own . Beyond Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, other potential aspirants include former Senate President Aminu Tambuwal and veteran journalist Dele Momodu . The party has promised a level playing field for all aspirants . However, some members worry that a contentious primary battle, especially between northern and southern candidates, could weaken the party before the general election . A party official warned that "greed and selfishness" could prevent the opposition from forming a united front against the ruling APC .
For now, Atiku's message is one of unity and rebuilding. He has urged younger Nigerians to become more active in politics and seek elective positions . His pledge to support a younger candidate is a direct appeal to this demographic, which has shown significant political engagement in recent years. As the ADC continues to organize at the state and local government levels, the question of its presidential candidate will remain central to its identity. Atiku Abubakar has now set a condition for his own participation, making the journey toward the 2027 elections a critical test for Nigeria's opposition and for his own political legacy.