2027: Atiku Says He Will Step Aside If Younger Aspirant Wins ADC Presidential Primary

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he is willing to step aside for a younger aspirant if he loses the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, said it is still too early to confirm his own candidacy. However, he stressed that his current priority is uniting the opposition under the ADC.

“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” Atiku said.
“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.”

The 78-year-old politician also dismissed speculations that he might “double-deal” between the ADC and PDP, insisting:

“No, I’m not known for that. If I say I am going one way, I will go that way.”

Recall that in July 2025, Atiku formally resigned from the PDP after citing irreconcilable differences and a shift away from the party’s founding principles.

In a resignation letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of PDP Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, Atiku stated:

“I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

With his formal departure from the PDP, Atiku has since aligned with the ADC, positioning the party as a potential rallying point for the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.

VANGUARD