Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has stated that his primary concern is ensuring a better Nigeria, not necessarily holding the office of president.
Abubakar made this remark on Saturday during an affirmation event held in Lagos to welcome new defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Several prominent figures from both the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) officially announced their move to the ADC at the gathering.
Although Atiku did not attend the ceremony in person, he was represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, who delivered his message.
The former PDP standard bearer, alongside other opposition figures who share similar views, recently resigned from the PDP and aligned with the ADC. According to him, his desire is not rooted in desperation to occupy the highest political office, but rather in a genuine passion to see Nigeria flourish in security, governance, and prosperity.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government, that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.
“It’s not a personal thing for him, and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku having to be president at all costs.
“ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of Nigerians for a better Nigeria,” Olateju said on Atiku’s behalf.
The message further emphasized that the ADC is not just another political platform but a people-centered movement aimed at reshaping the country and elevating it to greater heights.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning.
“We need a new beginning in Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing.
“It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president. No, it is not a matter of must.
“The must is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.
“We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” Olateju added.
Atiku acknowledged that Nigerians are experiencing hardships brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy and the rising inflation that followed. He stressed that with the right leadership, a better Nigeria is possible and within reach. He also expressed confidence that God would use the coalition within the ADC to bring about the change the people desire.
When asked about the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku noted that such a decision would not be prearranged but left entirely to the will of the people through transparent and democratic processes.
“It is not a thing we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.
“Everybody has a right to contest; we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.
“The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for president at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs.
“Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of the Nigerian people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria,” he said.
Among those who defected to the ADC were notable PDP leaders including Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; the PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader, Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
The new members were officially welcomed into the ADC by key party leaders, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
What you should know
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and a recurring presidential candidate, has repositioned himself within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after leaving the PDP.
His recent statements show a shift from personal ambition to a broader call for national renewal, emphasizing collective leadership and inclusive governance.
His move, alongside other high-profile defectors, signals an attempt to build momentum for a new political movement that could influence Nigeria’s path toward 2027.
