…As Bin Abass emerges presidential candidate

The opposition Action Democratic Party (ADP) has dismissed suggestions that its newly nominated presidential candidate, Alhaji Aliyu Bin Abass, could serve as a placeholder for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following speculation triggered by his emergence as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general election.

Bin Abass, a close ally of Atiku, emerged through a consensus arrangement at the party’s 2026 National Convention held in Abuja, where delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) ratified his candidacy after extensive consultations among party leaders, aspirants and stakeholders.

His emergence comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections and has fueled speculation within opposition circles over the strategic calculations behind the ADP’s early presidential nomination.

Some political observers have suggested that the ADP may be positioning itself as an alternative platform for opposition forces should legal disputes surrounding the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) affect the party’s ability to present candidates in the next general election.

However, the ADP dismissed the claims, insisting there was no basis for suggestions that Bin Abass would surrender the party’s ticket to Atiku.

When contacted, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, described the reports as unfounded.

“I don’t know anything about that. I’m sure this is beer-parlour rumours,” Dawop said.

While no court has barred the ADC from participating in the electoral process and neither the ADP leadership nor Atiku’s camp has publicly acknowledged any such arrangement, analysts say the speculation reflects the fluid nature of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 contest.

In his acceptance speech at the convention held in Abuja at the weekend, Bin Abass described his emergence as the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s political history, anchored on national renewal, inclusive governance, economic transformation and youth empowerment.

“This milestone represents more than a political victory; it signifies the emergence of a new generation of leadership committed to national renewal, inclusive governance, economic transformation and the empowerment of Nigerian youths,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria is at a defining moment in its history and requires leadership driven by hope, patriotism and a collective determination to build a nation that works for all citizens.

“As Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its history, this development signals the beginning of a movement driven by hope, patriotism and a collective determination to build a nation that works for all. It is a call to every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, region or political background, to unite behind a common vision of progress, justice, prosperity and national greatness,” Bin Abass stated.

He assured Nigerians that the journey toward a stronger, more prosperous and united country had begun.

“The journey towards a stronger, more prosperous and more united Federal Republic of Nigeria begins now. A new movement, a new direction, a new Nigeria is set,” he declared.

Earlier, ADP National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, congratulated delegates, party officers and supporters for their commitment to the party, describing the convention as a significant milestone in the ADP’s quest to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sani said the gathering represented “a moment of renewal, recommitment and rededication” to the party’s founding ideals of justice, fairness, accountability, national unity and people-centred leadership.

He noted that Nigeria was grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, social tension and declining public confidence in public institutions, stressing that the country required leaders who viewed public office as a responsibility rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.

“Our country requires a new political attitude. Nigeria needs leaders who understand that public office is a trust, not a privilege for self-enrichment.

“Nigeria needs a party that believes in service, not domination; inclusion, not exclusion; competence, not propaganda; and unity, not division.

“That is why the ADP remains relevant. That is why we are gathered here today,” he said.

The party chairman urged delegates and party faithful to remain united and committed to strengthening the party’s structures, noting that democracy must begin within political parties.

He said the presidential consensus process was conducted in line with the party’s constitution, screening reports and internal procedures, emphasizing that transparency, discipline and due process were critical to the success of the convention.

Sani also called on aspirants and members to place the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions and differences, saying the ADP was determined to offer practical solutions to challenges such as insecurity, rising cost of living, unemployment, weak infrastructure, corruption and deficits in education and healthcare.

“The ADP is prepared, the ADP is united, and the ADP is ready to serve,” he declared.

The convention also witnessed the inauguration of newly elected and returning members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), with party leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening internal democracy and expanding the party’s grassroots presence across the country.

The emergence of Bin Abass, alongside other candidates of the party across the federation and the FCT, signals the ADP’s early preparations for the 2027 general election as it seeks to position itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current political trajectory.