Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says there is a standing agreement within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to back whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, despite the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the party.
Speaking in a viral DW Hausa interview, Atiku addressed tensions within the party following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The electoral body said it would not engage either group pending the resolution of a case before the federal high court.
Amid the uncertainty, Atiku insisted that unity remains the priority among stakeholders aligned with the Mark-led faction, noting that internal agreements would guide the party’s next steps ahead of 2027.
“We promised that whoever got the ticket, we would support them. Now, there are only three or four people, but when we were contesting in the PDP, there were more than 10 of us,” he said.
The former vice-president also pointed to what he described as a growing youth-driven movement within the party, suggesting that the ADC is gradually positioning itself as a platform for younger Nigerians.
“Youth are dominating the party now. Whoever you see planning to contest, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly, and governor, they are all youth. We already said our party is for youth and women; we want to win and give it to them,” he continued.
Dismissing concerns that the leadership crisis could weaken the party, Atiku maintained that membership continues to expand nationwide, arguing that recent events have not discouraged supporters.
“People from every state are registering as members, and because of that, I don’t believe the events of two or three days ago have discouraged anyone at all,” he said.
However, he alleged that external forces are fuelling the crisis, claiming there are deliberate attempts to destabilise the party as it gains traction ahead of the next general election.
“Of course, we shouldn’t have to say it, but this is external interference. They are using someone because they see our party getting stronger every day, and they think it will be a challenge to them if we continue to grow,” he said
