Atiku Abubakar Says He’ll Step Aside if Younger Aspirant Wins ADC Presidential Ticket

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he would not hesitate to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him in the primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Atiku explained that his decision is in line with the ADC’s emphasis on youth and women participation in politics.

He stressed that while he has not yet confirmed whether he will contest, he is ready to submit himself to the party’s internal democratic process.

“If I join the race and a younger aspirant wins the ticket, I will step aside and support him. I am ready to mentor such a person because our party prioritises youth and women,” Atiku said.

The ADC leadership has also made it clear that there will be no automatic ticket for any aspirant, including Atiku. The party insists that all candidates must go through a transparent primary election to determine who emerges as its flag bearer.

Atiku’s remarks come at a time when calls for generational change in leadership are growing louder across Nigeria. With youth groups and political observers demanding fresh faces in governance, his statement has been interpreted as both a show of commitment to party democracy and an appeal to younger Nigerians.

Political analysts say the move could strengthen his image as a statesman willing to make sacrifices for inclusivity, but it may also raise questions about how much influence he still commands within the opposition space.

The former vice president, who has contested Nigeria’s presidency several times, remains one of the most experienced figures in the country’s politics.

However, the 2027 race is expected to be highly competitive, with younger aspirants in the ADC and other parties positioning themselves as credible alternatives.

The ADC is yet to release its full timetable for primaries, but the party has reassured members that the process will be open and fair.