Shehu Sani: Atiku Too Strong to Lose in Party Primaries

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent remarks on his political future, saying it would be nearly impossible for any aspirant to defeat him in a primary contest.

Atiku, speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, stated that he would not insist on running in the 2027 presidential election if a younger aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) outperformed him at the primaries.

He added that his current priority was strengthening the party’s structures, but if a younger candidate emerged, he would not only accept the outcome but also give his full support and mentorship.

“If I contest and a younger person beats me, I will respect that and stand behind him,” the former PDP presidential flagbearer said, stressing that the ADC places strong emphasis on empowering youths and women.

Reacting via a post on X on Thursday, Sani cast doubt on the possibility of Atiku losing within the party’s delegate-driven system.

“The Waziri has reportedly said he would step aside if defeated by a younger aspirant. But the critical word here is *primaries*. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to overcome Atiku in such an exercise. Party delegates are in a class of their own,” he wrote.

Atiku, who recently aligned with the ADC after decades in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not formally declared his candidacy for 2027, but his latest comments have rekindled debate about his continued influence in Nigerian politics.