Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is willing to step aside and support a younger, vibrant candidate for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, if such a person emerges from his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku made the announcement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday. The former vice president, who is a key figure in the opposition ADC, explained that his interest in the 2027 race is not about personal ambition but about giving Nigerians a credible alternative to the current leadership.
“I am not desperate for the presidency,” Atiku said. “My goal is to rescue Nigeria from those who have held it hostage. If a widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I will gladly support them.”
Atiku also called on young Nigerians to take a more active role in politics. He encouraged them to step forward and contest for the presidency, promising to back any young candidate chosen by the party.
This statement comes amid growing calls in Nigeria for generational change in leadership. Many Nigerians feel it is time for younger leaders to take charge of the country’s future.
Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for decades. Though he has run for president several times before, he emphasized that his continued involvement is driven by a desire to help Nigeria overcome its challenges, not by personal ambition.
The ADC is part of the opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections. Atiku’s willingness to step aside for a younger candidate could help unite different factions within the party and attract younger voters.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the role of youth in politics remains a key topic. Atiku’s call for greater youth participation is likely to inspire more young Nigerians to engage in the political process.
In recent years, many Nigerian youths have demanded better representation and more opportunities to shape the country’s future. Atiku’s statement aligns with this demand and shows openness to change within the opposition ranks.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to be fiercely contested, and Atiku’s backing of younger candidates could reshape the political landscape.
