Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said he is prepared to back whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
He also dismissed suggestions that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could weaken the ADC, noting that the party continues to gain supporters across the country.
INEC had on Wednesday announced it would stop further dealings with the party’s leadership and would not supervise its national convention scheduled for April 14, citing a court ruling.
However, the ADC rejected the decision, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the judgment and insisting it would proceed with its convention and other activities.
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In an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku alleged that vested interests were responsible for the party’s current challenges, adding that its rising popularity had made it a target.
On the issue of the party’s presidential ticket, he said he would fully support whoever emerges through the process.
“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer. How many are we (presidential aspirants), three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested,” he said.
The former Vice-President described the ADC as youth-friendly, stressing its commitment to including young people and women in politics.
“The youths have taken over the party. Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly and House of Representatives, are young people. We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.
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Responding to whether he could support a young presidential candidate, Atiku said, “Yes, why not,”
“Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future and that of their children?” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians are eager for change, pointing to worsening economic and security conditions.
“We are confident that Nigerians are yearning for change. They are ready for it. They are being pushed to the wall and are prepared to do even more than they did in the previous elections,” he said.
The former Vice-President linked rising insecurity, especially in the North, to youth unemployment and poor access to education.
“Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education. When you go round the region, you see that education is not receiving the attention it deserves. It has been relegated.
“Governments have not ensured that children enrol in school, and even when they graduate, there are no jobs or business opportunities. I have never witnessed a period like this in Nigeria,” he said.
Atiku also accused the government of enabling corruption.
“There is also embezzlement on the part of government and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved,” he said.
