Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said his priority is building a better Nigeria, not clinching the presidency at all costs.
Atiku made the remark on Saturday in Lagos during an affirmation ceremony for new defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Several bigwigs from the PDP and Labour Party publicly declared their membership of ADC at the event.
The former PDP candidate, who was represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, noted that his move to the ADC was not driven by desperation for political power but by a commitment to a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
> “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a good government that will deliver for Nigerians. It’s not a personal thing, and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku having to be president at all costs,” Olateju said on his behalf.
He described ADC as more than a political party, calling it a movement for national transformation.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. It is a new beginning. We need a new Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing. The must is not about Atiku becoming president; the must is for Nigeria to work for Nigerians,” he added.
The former vice president also pointed to the current economic hardship, worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy and inflation, as proof that the country needs visionary leadership. He maintained that God could use the new coalition within ADC to bring lasting change.
On the question of who would emerge as ADC’s presidential candidate in 2027, Atiku stressed that the process would be open, democratic, and free from imposition.
“Whoever emerges through free and fair contests will be supported. It’s not about Atiku for president at all costs, or Obi for president at all costs. Whoever picks the ticket shall represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigerians,” he declared.
Prominent defectors to the ADC include PDP Board of Trustee member, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd); PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and ex-PDP Youth Leader, Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
They were received by ADC national leaders, including the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
