By Jimmy Fatunbi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed that the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election will, in the first instance, emerge through a consensus arrangement, with primaries as a fallback option if consensus fails.
Atiku, who made this known during an interview on ARISE TV on Wednesday, also declared that the 2027 presidential race would mark the final chapter of his long-standing political career, affirming that he would not seek office beyond that election cycle.
According to him, “The first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t work, then we will go for primary elections. But I will support anybody who emerges.”
The former vice president further signalled his readiness to step aside for any candidate who emerges either through consensus or a democratic process within the coalition, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
“I will step aside for any winner,” he said, adding, “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
On his political future, Atiku was unequivocal, stating that 2027 would be his last attempt at the presidency. “Certainly yes, the stakes are higher because I believe that will be my last outing,” he said, stressing, “That’s incontrovertible.”
Acknowledging concerns about his age and relevance, Atiku argued that his experience remains a valuable asset. “I represent both the past and the future,” he said, noting that while younger leaders have had opportunities, their performance has fallen short of expectations.
“We have seen various levels of leadership in the country, both young and old… and I still believe that our expectations of the young leadership are below what we thought,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of mentorship and experience in governance, citing lessons learned during his tenure under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.
“What I was able to learn from President Obasanjo through his experience, I couldn’t have learned it outside,” he said, adding that younger leaders require exposure and guidance to succeed.
Atiku also took a swipe at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing its performance as disappointing, particularly in economic management and governance.
“Bola has been a very bad President… whether economically or otherwise, it’s a disappointment,” he said.
He further warned about the weakening of democratic institutions, alleging an unhealthy concentration of power in the presidency. “We have seen how the presidency has almost turned institutions meant to provide checks and balances under one roof, which is quite dangerous,” he added.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, Atiku revealed that he is a leading figure in a broad political coalition aimed at unseating the current administration, stressing that such alliances are crucial for electoral success in Nigeria.
“I am one of the initiators, perhaps the leading initiator of the coalition,” he said, adding, “I studied the political history of Nigeria; the only future is a broad coalition.”
He explained that the coalition draws members from across major political parties, including the APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party, making it a formidable alliance.
Reaffirming his political strength in the North, Atiku stated, “The North still remains my major political base.”
On constitutional reform, he advocated for the formal inclusion of zoning to ensure equitable power rotation across regions. “Even if it is the only amendment I can make, I will move towards that,” he said.
Despite his continued ambition, Atiku reiterated that the 2027 election would be his final bid, leaving the nation’s future leadership to a younger generation.
“That’s left to the next generation to take it on,” he said.
