Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Wednesday that the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress will emerge through a consensus process, adding that the election will mark the final chapter of his political career.
Speaking in an interview, Atiku said the party would first pursue consensus among aspirants before considering a primary election.
“The first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t work out, then we will go for primary elections. But I will support anybody who emerges,” he said.
Atiku, a leading figure in Nigerian politics for decades, said he is willing to step aside if another candidate emerges through consensus or the party’s nomination process.
“I will step aside for any winner,” he said, adding that he would support any contender, including Peter Obi , if he participates.
He also confirmed that the 2027 election will be his last attempt at the presidency.
“Certainly yes, the stakes are higher because I believe that will be my last outing,” he said, adding, “That’s incontrovertible.”
Atiku acknowledged that persuading Nigerians to support his candidacy remains a key challenge but argued that his experience is still relevant.
“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, adding that younger leaders need mentorship and governance experience.
He cited his tenure under former President Olusegun Obasanjo as formative, saying it provided lessons he could not have gained elsewhere.
Atiku also criticized President Bola Tinubu, describing his administration as disappointing.
“Bola has been a very bad president, to be honest with you,” he said, citing concerns over economic management and governance.
He warned against what he described as the concentration of power within the presidency, saying it could weaken institutions meant to provide checks and balances.
Atiku said he is a key driver of a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that alliances are essential for electoral success in Nigeria.
“I am one of the initiators of this coalition,” he said, adding that it includes members from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Labour Party Nigeria.
He expressed confidence in his support base in northern Nigeria and reiterated the need for constitutional reforms, including formalizing zoning to ensure equitable power rotation.
“Even if it is the only amendment I can make, I will move towards that,” he said.
Atiku said the 2027 election would be his final bid for the presidency, leaving future contests to a new generation of leaders.
