BREAKING: I’ll back whoever emerges ADC presidential candidate – Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said he is prepared to rally behind whoever emerges as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential race.

He also brushed aside speculations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might weaken the ADC, insisting the party continues to gain traction and attract supporters across the country.

On Wednesday, INEC announced it would halt further engagement with the party’s leadership and would not oversee its national convention scheduled for April 14, citing a court judgment as the basis for its decision.

However, the ADC rejected the move, accusing the electoral body of misinterpreting the ruling.

Despite the development, the party maintained it would proceed with its convention and other planned activities.

Speaking during an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku claimed that powerful interests were responsible for the challenges confronting the party, adding that its rising popularity had made it a target.

On the issue of the party’s presidential ticket, he reiterated his commitment to supporting the eventual candidate.

“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 said.

Atiku noted the party’s focus on young people, describing the ADC as a platform driven largely by youth participation and inclusion of women.

“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 youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.

Responding to whether he would back a younger presidential candidate if selected, he said, “Yes, why not,”

“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 said.

He expressed optimism that Nigerians are ready for change, pointing to deteriorating economic and security conditions.

“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.

The former Vice-President attributed worsening insecurity, especially in northern Nigeria, to widespread youth unemployment and limited access to education.

“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 said.

Atiku also accused the government of enabling corruption.

“There is also embezzlement on the part of government and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved,” he said.