Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that his vision is centered on building a better Nigeria rather than pursuing the presidency at all costs.
Speaking through Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) affirmation event in Lagos on Saturday, Abubakar emphasized that his political mission goes beyond personal ambition.
“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,” Prof. Olateju said on his behalf.
The former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who recently defected to the ADC alongside other opposition figures, explained that his move was part of a larger coalition aimed at repositioning the country.
According to him, the ADC is more than a political party but a movement for national renewal.
“It’s not a personal thing for him and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku must be president at all costs,” Olateju stressed.
Atiku highlighted the pressing economic challenges facing the nation, particularly the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidies, while calling for a “new beginning” that prioritizes good governance and the welfare of citizens.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning… The must there is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” he said.
On the 2027 presidential election, Abubakar maintained that the ADC’s candidate would emerge through a free and fair democratic process.
“It is not a thing we can pre-determine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support. The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for President at all costs, not Obi for President at all costs,” he added.
The event also witnessed the defection of prominent PDP and Labour Party leaders to the ADC, including Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Chief Muritala Ashorobi, Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, and Mr. Tai Benedict. They were warmly received by top ADC figures such as National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos ADC Chairman George Ashiru.
With this development, political analysts suggest that Nigeria’s opposition landscape may be shifting toward a new coalition designed to challenge the ruling party in the coming years.
