Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has once again emphasized that his foremost priority is building a better Nigeria rather than making a desperate bid for the presidency. Speaking through a representative, Atiku stressed that his focus is on the progress and stability of the country, not personal ambition.
He made this declaration on Saturday in Lagos during an affirmation ceremony that welcomed several high-profile political defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The event was attended by key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), who formally joined the ADC as part of a broader coalition seeking to reshape the nation’s political landscape. Atiku, who was represented at the event by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, described the new alliance as more of a national movement than a conventional political party.
Highlighting his vision for Nigeria, Atiku explained that the essence of this coalition is not to push his personal ambition but to create a new political pathway for the country. “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 that will be able to deliver for Nigerians,” Olateju noted while speaking on his behalf.
The former PDP leader, who recently resigned his membership of the party alongside other opposition leaders, described the move to join the ADC as a necessary step toward creating a united front against poor governance, economic hardship, subsidy removal, rising inflation, and widespread discontent. He noted that the ADC coalition represents a “new beginning,” one designed to reposition the country and restore the people’s trust in leadership.
According to Atiku, the ADC’s guiding principle is inclusivity and fairness. He stressed that leadership positions within the coalition would not be imposed but earned, with the party’s 2027 presidential candidate emerging through a transparent and democratic process. “The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for president at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs. Whoever picks the ticket shall represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria,” he firmly stated.
Atiku further appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to rally behind the coalition, assuring them that with unity, shared vision, and divine guidance, the ADC has the capacity to provide competent, selfless, and compassionate leadership. He expressed confidence that this new political platform could steer the country toward prosperity, stability, and a brighter future for generations to come.
The event ended with a renewed call for national unity, with attendees reaffirming their commitment to a Nigeria that works for all citizens regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation. For Atiku and his allies, the ADC is not just another political party—it is a bold movement aimed at reclaiming the nation’s destiny.