Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he would step aside from the 2027 presidential contest if a younger aspirant defeats him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Atiku explained that he would not only accept such an outcome but also support and mentor the younger candidate.
“If I contest and a young man defeats me, I will accept that,” Atiku said.
“The party we joined now prioritises youth and women, and I will stand by that.”
The former PDP presidential flag bearer, however, stopped short of confirming whether he would formally join the 2027 race.
“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” he added.
Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of infiltrating and destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming the federal government used some PDP leaders to frustrate opposition unity.
“As the days went by, the PDP crisis worsened, and the hope of resolving it quickly disappeared because the government was allegedly using senior members to destabilise the party further,” he alleged.
Atiku also expressed frustration that his advice was ignored by PDP leaders.
“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 in charge had their own personal interests,” he lamented.
On suspicions that he might later abandon the ADC, Atiku dismissed the idea.
“I am not known for that. If I say so, then I will go that way. I am a man of one Qibla,” he said.
The former vice president maintained that he is committed to building the ADC into a strong political force.
According to him, the party has completed its national structure and is now focused on consolidating state and local government leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our goal is to ensure the ADC has firm structures across the states and local governments. The national leadership is in place and is working towards strengthening the party at all levels,” Atiku said.
