2027 Will Be My Final Presidential Bid, Says Atiku as ADC Weighs Consensus Option
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed that the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election will emerge through a consensus arrangement, with primaries as a fallback option if negotiations fail.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV on Wednesday, Atiku said the party’s preferred approach is to reach a unified agreement among stakeholders, but stressed that a transparent primary election would be conducted if consensus proves impossible.
“The first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t work, then we will go for primary elections. But I will support whoever emerges,” he said.
The ADC chieftain also signalled his readiness to step aside for any candidate who emerges through either process, reaffirming his commitment to party unity and coalition politics. When asked about the possibility of backing Peter Obi, Atiku responded affirmatively, noting that he would support any credible contender.
In a significant declaration, Atiku stated that the 2027 presidential race would mark the final chapter of his political career. “Certainly, yes. That will be my last outing,” he said, adding firmly that his decision is “incontrovertible.”
Reflecting on his long-standing role in Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku acknowledged the challenge of persuading Nigerians to support his candidacy once more, while defending the relevance of his experience. He argued that leadership requires both historical perspective and forward-looking vision.
“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, adding that while younger leaders have had opportunities, their performance has not fully met public expectations.
Drawing from his tenure under former President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007), Atiku emphasised the value of experience and mentorship in governance. He maintained that emerging leaders need exposure and guidance to succeed in leadership roles.
The former vice president also took aim at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing its performance as disappointing, particularly in economic management and governance.
He warned against what he described as the growing concentration of power within the presidency, cautioning that weakening institutional checks and balances poses a risk to Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku further revealed that he is a leading figure behind a broad-based political coalition being formed ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, the alliance draws membership from major political blocs, including the APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party, reflecting what he described as a strategic necessity for electoral success.
“I studied Nigeria’s political history; the only viable path forward is a broad coalition,” he said.
Reaffirming his political strength in Northern Nigeria, Atiku described the region as his core support base.
On constitutional reform, he advocated for the formal inclusion of zoning in Nigeria’s constitution to ensure equitable power rotation across regions, noting that it would be a priority if given the opportunity.
Despite his continued ambition, Atiku reiterated that 2027 would be his final bid for the presidency, leaving the future of leadership to the next generation.
His remarks set the tone for what could be a defining and final political contest as Nigeria approaches the next general election cycle.
