Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election will ideally emerge through consensus, but the party is prepared to conduct primaries if necessary. Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV, Atiku stated: “The first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t work out, then we will go for primary elections.
But I will support anybody who emerges.” He also made it clear that he is open to stepping aside, adding, “I will step aside for any winner,” and when asked about Peter Obi, he said, “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
Atiku further revealed that the 2027 election will likely be his final attempt at the presidency. “Certainly yes, the stakes are higher because I believe that will be my last outing,” he said, before affirming, “That’s incontrovertible.” While addressing concerns about age and relevance, he defended his experience, noting, “I represent both the past and the future,” and argued that leadership requires exposure and mentorship.
Drawing from his time under Olusegun Obasanjo, he added, “What I was able to learn from President Obasanjo through his experience, I couldn’t have learned it outside.”
He also criticised the administration of Bola Tinubu, stating, “Bola has been a very bad President, to be honest with you. In the way he governs the country, whether economically or otherwise, it’s a disappointment.” Atiku warned about the concentration of power in government, saying, “We have seen how, virtually, you know, the presidency has almost turned the various institutions that are supposed to be checks and balances, under one roof, which is quite dangerous.”
Highlighting his political strategy, Atiku described himself as a key force behind a broad coalition ahead of 2027. “I am one of the initiators of this coalition, or perhaps the leading initiator of the coalition,” he said, adding, “You have elements from APC, from PDP, from NNPP, from Labour. So that makes it a much broader coalition.”
He also reiterated his confidence in his regional support, stating, “The North still remains my major political base,” while advocating constitutional reforms such as zoning to ensure fairness.
Despite his continued ambition, Atiku emphasised that the future of leadership ultimately belongs to younger generations, noting, “That’s left to the next generation to take it on.”
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