Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has stated that he will fully support any candidate who wins the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, whether or not he himself gets the nomination.
Atiku, a key leader in the growing coalition movement within the ADC, made this declaration on Saturday during a welcome ceremony for new party defectors in Lagos State. The event marked a major milestone for the ADC as it officially received high-profile defectors from both the Labour Party (LP) and its own former members.
Atiku, who was represented by Prof. Ola Olateju, spoke as the guest speaker at the event and reiterated his commitment to internal democracy and party unity.
“It is not a thing we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support,” Atiku said.
He highlighted that the ADC presidential primary, scheduled for 2026, would be free, fair, and open to all qualified aspirants, adding that no candidate would be imposed on the party.
“We are not imposing anyone on the people. We want a credible and democratic process,” he stressed.
The welcome event saw a major boost for the ADC as it officially received several notable defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and others who had left the party in the past but decided to return. The defectors were received by the National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
Speaking at the event, Aregbesola described the returnees as “visionary Nigerians who believe in building a united front for a better Nigeria.” He said the ADC is now positioned as a serious contender ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Ogunwale also noted that the party is fast becoming a true “people’s movement,” driven by the desire to provide alternative leadership that reflects the will of the citizens.
While the ADC presidential primary is still a year away, three major political figures are already being seen as frontrunners for the party’s ticket. They include:
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – former Vice President and perennial presidential aspirant
Mr. Peter Obi – former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate
Mr. Chibuike Amaechi – former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation
All three are believed to be in talks with the ADC-led coalition, though none has officially declared their intention to run under the party’s banner.
Atiku, however, made it clear that his personal ambition will not stand in the way of party unity or democratic fairness. According to him, the focus should be on ensuring that the best candidate emerges to challenge the ruling party and address Nigeria’s many problems.
“Whoever wins the party’s ticket should be supported by all of us, because they will be representing the hopes of millions of Nigerians,” he said.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), founded in 2005, has long existed as a fringe party but has gained attention in recent years due to its efforts to build a broad coalition of opposition forces. The party is now seen as a potential “third force” capable of challenging both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
With Nigeria’s political landscape shifting after the controversial 2023 elections, many politicians and citizens are calling for a fresh alternative to the usual political structures. The ADC, with its message of internal democracy and inclusivity, is seeking to fill that gap.
Atiku’s involvement in the coalition further boosts the party’s visibility. While he contested the 2023 election under the PDP, his current alignment with the ADC has raised speculation about his next political move.
However, his recent remarks suggest that his focus may now be on building a stronger opposition front rather than pursuing personal ambition at all costs.
By declaring his readiness to support any candidate who emerges, Atiku is presenting himself as a unifying elder statesman and not just another presidential hopeful.
“This is a chance to do politics differently, with the people at the centre,” he concluded.
