By Peter Omopo | October 2, 2025
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant emerges victorious against him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election.
Atiku made the disclosure in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Wednesday, stressing that he would not only step aside but also support and mentor such a candidate.
“If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” Atiku said.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, however, noted that it was too early to confirm whether he would contest again.
“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” he added.
On exit from PDP
Atiku explained his departure from the PDP, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had infiltrated the party with moles to weaken the opposition.
“The APC government in power has decided to use some party leaders to frustrate efforts of having a strong opposition that could challenge the government,” he claimed.
He added that his inability to decisively intervene in the PDP crisis stemmed from the unwillingness of the party leadership to heed his counsel.
“I could have taken firm decisions to fix the party if I were the chairman or secretary, or if someone who listened to me held those positions. Unfortunately, those occupying them had personal interests,” he lamented.
Dismissing defection rumours
When asked about speculation that he might abandon the ADC, Atiku dismissed the insinuations.
“No, I’m not known for that. If I say so, then I’ll go that way,” he said, describing himself as “a man of one Qibla.”
ADC structures ahead of 2027
Speaking on the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 polls, Atiku said the party had completed its national leadership structure and was now focused on building state and local government structures ahead of the elections.
“Regarding the ADC, our goal is to establish the party structures at the state level. We have already established the national leadership, and they are working on ensuring the state and local government structures are strengthened and ready for the 2027 elections,” he said.
Atiku, who has contested the presidency five times under different political platforms, emphasised that the ADC would provide a credible alternative built on inclusivity, with youth and women at the centre of its agenda.
