ABUJA, Nigeria: Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has promised to back whichever politician the African Democratic Congress (ADC) selects as its presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a media interview with the international broadcaster DW Hausa, released around 8:21 pm West African Time (WAT) on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the veteran politician emphasised his absolute dedication to the unity of his new political party. He declared his readiness to stand behind the ultimate candidate, highlighting a collaborative spirit.
“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 stated. Okay News reports that Atiku Abubakar recently threw his political weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following his previous presidential runs under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former Vice President noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is becoming increasingly popular among young Nigerian citizens. He pointed out that the party has deliberately made room for the active participation of young people and women in the democratic process.
“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 the youth and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he explained.
When questioned about his willingness to support a much younger candidate for the presidency, Atiku Abubakar gave a positive response.
“Yes, why not?” he said.
Addressing the recent regulatory actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria’s national election management body, Atiku Abubakar dismissed public fears that the party might be weakened. The commission had recently delisted a faction of the party led by David Mark, a former President of the Nigerian Senate. Atiku Abubakar insisted that the party is still gathering momentum nationwide. He suggested that influential individuals are causing trouble for the party purely because they feel threatened by its growing nationwide acceptance.
Reflecting on his life and political career, he added, “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 firmly believes that the people of Nigeria are desperate for a change in government due to the severe economic hardships and widespread security issues they are currently facing.
“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.
According to Atiku Abubakar, the escalating violence and insecurity, especially in the northern region of Nigeria, is directly linked to the lack of jobs and poor educational opportunities for the youth.
“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 noted.
Finally, the former Vice President heavily criticised the current administration of the federal government of Nigeria for failing to combat financial crimes.
“There is also embezzlement on the part of the government, and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved,” he concluded.
