Atiku Abubakar Vows to Contest 2027 Presidential Election Under ADC Coalition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again thrown his hat into the political ring, vowing to contest Nigeria’s presidency in the 2027 general election. The veteran politician, who has made multiple attempts at securing the nation’s highest office, declared that he is fully prepared to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and lead what he described as a revolutionary coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed widespread speculation that he might not run, asserting that his decision to contest remains firm and unwavering. Speaking through his former spokesperson during the 2023 presidential election, Tunde Olusunle, Atiku maintained that Nigeria is in urgent need of redemption from the challenges it currently faces under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Olusunle revealed that after consulting with his principal, Atiku was resolute in his determination to lead a coalition that would restore the nation. “Nigeria is presently in the intensive care unit, and it requires decisive intervention. The deceit, the erosion of values, large-scale corruption, and lack of accountability have reached alarming levels. Every patriotic Nigerian must be concerned. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our homeland,” Atiku was quoted as saying.

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Atiku’s Focus on ADC Coalition

Atiku emphasized that his political focus is now rooted in the ADC coalition, which he described as a mass movement capable of surprising both Nigerians and the global community in 2027. According to him, the ADC has been building momentum and galvanizing support from across the country, positioning itself as a credible alternative to the dominance of APC and PDP.

“ADC is leading a potent mass movement which will shock the world,” he declared confidently. “We will upstage the status quo in a way that will leave doubters dumbstruck.”

This statement was seen as a direct response to APC leaders who have allegedly tried to downplay the growing influence of the ADC and Atiku’s role within it. The former Vice President argued that the ruling party fears the coalition’s rising popularity and is therefore attempting to undermine its credibility.

Clarification on Speculated Withdrawal

Recently, reports circulated suggesting that Atiku might be reconsidering his presidential ambitions, prioritizing national development over his quest for power. These claims stemmed from remarks made by Prof Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku at a political event in Lagos. Olateju was quoted as saying that Atiku’s focus was not necessarily on becoming President at all costs, but rather on building a better Nigeria.

However, Atiku swiftly disowned this interpretation, clarifying that he never sanctioned such a statement. Speaking from his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he reiterated that he remained fully committed to contesting the 2027 elections.

“When people represent me at events, we usually review my thoughts on the subject so that we are on the same page. In this case, there was no engagement with me to distill my views. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me,” Atiku clarified.

He added emphatically, “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned to. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty, the pain, and the anguish are simply unacceptable.”

Atiku’s Vision for Nigeria

Atiku’s renewed declaration underscores his long-standing ambition to lead Nigeria. Having contested for the presidency several times since the 1990s, he has consistently presented himself as a reformist capable of uniting the nation, restructuring its economy, and tackling systemic corruption.

His latest comments reveal deep dissatisfaction with the APC-led administration. He accused the government of “unprecedented thievery” and the absence of accountability, insisting that Nigeria needs a rescue mission. For him, the 2027 elections represent not just another political contest but a critical moment to decide Nigeria’s future trajectory.

Supporters of Atiku argue that his experience as vice president from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo equips him with the knowledge and leadership capacity to steer the country out of its present crisis. His detractors, however, often criticize his repeated attempts at the presidency, describing him as overly ambitious.

Atiku’s declaration sets the stage for what promises to be another intense electoral cycle in Nigeria. With the political landscape gradually shifting and new alliances forming, the ADC coalition’s strength and ability to penetrate the strongholds of APC and PDP will be closely watched.

The veteran politician insists that his mission transcends personal ambition, framing his candidacy as a call to rescue Nigeria from “poverty, pain, and despair.” Whether this message resonates with Nigerians—many of whom are disillusioned with both APC and PDP—remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that Atiku Abubakar is determined to remain at the center of Nigeria’s political conversation. His insistence on contesting in 2027 signals not only his enduring ambition but also his belief that the country is in dire need of change. As the clock ticks towards the next presidential election, all eyes will be on Atiku, his ADC coalition, and the political battles that will define Nigeria’s future.