Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said his commitment to building a better Nigeria outweighs any personal ambition to become president.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, made this known on Saturday during the official defection of several political figures to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos.
Represented at the event by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Atiku stressed that his political drive is not about occupying Aso Rock at all costs, but about ensuring that Nigeria works for its people.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It’s not about him being president. It’s about establishing a government that works for Nigerians. That’s why some of us are with him — not because Atiku must be president at all costs,” Olateju said on his behalf.
He described the ADC as a new political force positioned to offer Nigerians a genuine alternative to politics of self-interest, noting that the party represents “a fresh start” aimed at driving national development.
We need a new beginning in Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing.
On the 2027 presidential race, Atiku clarified that he would not impose himself on Nigerians, insisting that the ADC’s flagbearer would emerge through a free, fair, and transparent process. “Whoever emerges through a free and fair process will have our full support.
The focus is not ‘Atiku for president’ or ‘Obi for president’ at all costs. It’s about the best candidate representing the hopes of Nigerians,” he said.
The event also witnessed the defection of several prominent politicians from the PDP and Labour Party into the ADC.
Among them were PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd.), former PDP youth leader Mr. Tai Benedict, and the PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central).
They were formally received by ADC national leaders, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman Mr. George Ashiru.
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