By Daily Post Political Desk
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape with a dramatic declaration that could reshape the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Atiku, who now spearheads the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledged to withdraw from the 2027 contest if a “younger, vibrant, and widely acceptable candidate” emerges under the party’s platform.
> “I am not desperate for power. My only mission is to rescue Nigeria. If a credible younger candidate comes forward, I will step aside and give my full support,” Atiku affirmed.
The former Vice President threw open the race to Nigeria’s youth, urging them to rise to the challenge of leadership. He assured them of mentorship and maximum political support in what he described as a historic opportunity to reset the country’s destiny.
Atiku also explained his move away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming its internal collapse on alleged infiltration by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, “the PDP crisis deepened because some senior members were being used to frustrate opposition unity. Hope of resolving it faded daily. If I were chairman or if someone who listened to me was chairman, we would have salvaged the situation. Sadly, personal interests prevailed.”
This, he said, necessitated the strengthening of the ADC as a credible third force ahead of 2027, with efforts now focused on building solid structures at both state and local government levels.
Independence Message And Scathing Attack On Tinubu
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Atiku lamented that the country’s current trajectory was far from the vision of its founding fathers.
He accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of plunging Nigerians into deeper poverty through what he described as a hasty and reckless removal of fuel subsidy in 2023.
> “When I was Vice President, we proposed subsidy removal in four gradual phases, engaging labour and critical stakeholders. No sensible country removes subsidy overnight. Tinubu’s decision has brought unprecedented pain, suffering, and poverty,” he thundered.
Atiku challenged the government to “rise to the occasion” of fixing Nigeria, insisting that citizens had lost hope in Tinubu’s ability to deliver economically or politically.
With this bold conditional offer to step aside, Atiku has redefined the race for Nigeria’s highest office. His declaration signals not only a challenge to President Tinubu but also a direct call to Nigeria’s youth: step forward, or risk watching the nation sink further.
Political analysts believe Atiku’s latest stance could either galvanize a new generation of leaders or rekindle alliances capable of mounting the strongest opposition to Tinubu since 2015.
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