My political move about national renewal, not presidency — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that his recent political realignment is not about his personal ambition to become Nigeria’s president but about building a collective movement for national renewal.

Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said this on Saturday while addressing an affirmation ceremony in Lagos for new defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The event drew former PDP and Labour Party stalwarts who announced their membership of ADC.

Speaking through Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Atiku explained that his decision to leave the PDP alongside other opposition politicians was driven by the search for a platform that prioritises national interest.

“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,” Olateju said on his behalf.

He stressed that the ADC represents more than a political party. “ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of Nigerians for a better Nigeria. We need a new beginning in Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing,” he added.
The former vice president maintained that the challenges confronting Nigerians, including the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation, demand leadership focused on citizens’ welfare rather than political ambition.

“It’s not about a personal thing that he must be president. No, it is not a matter of must. The must 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,” Olateju said.

On the 2027 elections, Atiku noted that ADC’s presidential candidate would emerge through open contest. “It is not a thing we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support. Everybody has a right to contest; we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people,” he said.

Saturday’s affirmation ceremony formally welcomed new defectors into ADC, including PDP Board of Trustee member Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader, Mr Tai Benedict.

They were received by ADC national leaders such as National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and State Chairman George Ashiru.